
Class. 
Book _ 
Copyright N" 






COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



fj 



THE CORRESPONDENCE 

OF 

THE COLONIAL GOVERNORS 
OF RHODE ISLAND 

17^3-1775 

Published by the National Society of the 
Colonial Dames of America in the State of 
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 

EDITED BY 

GERTRUDE SELWYN KIMBALL 

IN TWO VOLUMES 
VOL. II 




BOSTON AND NEW YORK 
HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY 

. 1903 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 


Two Copies 


Received 


MAR 31 


1903 1 


Copyfight 

cuss R- 


Entry 
XXc. No. 


COPY 


b 
B. 






COPYRIGHT, igo3, BY THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE COLONIAL DAMES OF 
AMERICA IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



Published March, igos 



n 



CONTENTS 



FAGB 



Governor Greene to Richard Partridge, August i, 1746 . . i 
The boundary — The ordnance — The raising of troops for the 
expedition against Canada. 
Admiral Warren to Governor Greene, August 19, 1746 . . 3 

Regarding a convoy to sail from Louisbourg for England. 
Governor Shirley and Admiral Warren to Governor 

Greene, August 25, 1746 3 

Desiring that the Rhode Island troops be held in readiness to join 
in a movement against Crown Point as the initial action in the 
Canada expedition. 
Deputy-Governor Whipple to Governor Shirley, August 29, 

1746 8 

Informing Shirley of the readiness of the Rhode Island forces to 
join in the movement against Crown Point and inquiring about 
provisions and powder. 
Secretary Willard to Deputy-Governor Whipple, September 

I, 1746 9 

Concerning the Crown Point expedition. 
Admiral Townsend and Governor Knowles to Governor 
Shirley and Admiral Warren, September ii, 1746 .... 10 
Giving information of D'Anville's French armada. 
Governor Shirley to Governor Greene, September 22, 1746 12 
Asking assistance in case of an attack from the French fleet. 

Deposition of Rene Het, September 15, 1746 . 13 

Enclosed in the foregoing — Information concerning D'Anville's 
fleet. 
Governor Shirley and Admiral Warren to Governor Greene, 

September 29, 1746 15 

Begging that the Rhode Island sloop be sent out to cruise for 
Admiral Lestock with despatches concerning the French fleet. 
Governor Shirley and Admiral Warren to Admiral Lestock, 

September 27, 1746 16 

Enclosed in the foregoing — Apprising the Admiral of the situa- 
tion of the enemy's fleet. 



viii Contents 

Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, May 20, 1748 ... 64 
The Canada and Cape Breton reimbursement claims — Tlie King's 
speech — Preliminary articles for a cessation of arms with France. 

J. West to Andrew Stone, April 27, 1748 67 

Copy of a letter from the Treasury to the Duke of Newcastle's 
office, enclosed in the foregoing, referring to the Canada reimburse- 
ment claim. 

Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, June i, 1748 . . . 68 
Referring to the Canada reimbursement claim — Postscript dated 
the 17th gives news of the allowance of the Canada claim, asks for 
an act of the Assembly empowering him to receive the Cape Breton 
money, and mentions other public news. 

Petition of Richard Partridge to the Lords of the Treasury, 

June 8, 1748 72 

The Canada reimbursement claim. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, August 4, 1748 . . 77 
Payment of a part of the Canada expedition claim — The Cape 
Breton claim. — The agent's accounts — The King's movements — 
' The peace with France. 

Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, September 24, 1748 79 
The Cape Breton claims and the currency of New England — The 
peace. 

Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, November [24-30], 

1748 82 

The Cape Breton money — The currency — Postscript dated De- 
cember 2 refers to report of the King's Attorney and Solicitor-Gen- 
eral on the Cape Breton claims, and gives news of the King and 
Parliament. 

Report of the Attorney and Solicitor-General, November 

23. 1748 84 

On the Cape Breton claims of the several provinces and colonies. 

Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, December 17, 1748 . 87 
The Cape Breton claims and the currency. 

Memorial of Richard Partridge to the Lords of the Trea- 
sury, December 5, 1748 89 

The Cape Breton claim. 

Peter Bours and Others to Richard Partridge, June 18, 
1749 91 

A committee of the Assembly writes concerning the agent's ac- 
counts, the Canada expedition claim, and the Lockman affair. 



Contents ix 

Governor Greene to Richard Partridge, June i8, 1749 ... 92 
Asking him to engage Admiral Warren's assistance in pressing 
the claim for reimbursement on account of the attempt to reinforce 
Annapolis. 
Instructions for Richard Partridge, June 16, 1749 .... 94 
In the currency matter, directing him to oppose the bill in Parlia- 
ment. 
Secretary Willard to Thomas Ward, December 18, 1749 . . 95 
Concerning the survey of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island 
boundary. 
Richard Partridge to the Governor of Rhode Island, March 

^l^-i-l^ 97 

The Canada and Cape Breton claims — The currency — A bill in 
Parliament prohibiting the manufacture of iron in the colonies. 
Richard Partridge to the Governor of Rhode Island, May 

12, 1750 TOO 

The Cape Breton money — Public news — Passage of the iron act. 

The Lords of Trade to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island, July 19, 1750 loi 

Asking for an account of the boundaries of Rhode Island together 
with a map of the same. 

Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, August id, 1750 . . 103 
Informing him of the payment of the Cape Breton money with 
certain sums deducted — The agent's accounts. 

Richard Partridge to the Lords of Trade, November 14, 1749 104 
Enclosed in the last — A reply to Governor Shirley's objections 
to Rhode Island's account of expenses incurred for the proposed 
Canada expedition — A further representation on the same subject 
dated December 16 — Treasury receipt for the sum deducted from 
Cape Breton money as overpayment of Canada claim. 

Governor Greene to the House of Deputies, August 24, 1750 116 

Against a new emission of currency. 
Governor Greene to the Lords of Trade, December 15, 1750 129 

Reporting no iron mills or furnaces in the colony. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, July 3, 1751 ... 130 
Prorogation of Parliament — Passage of the currency act, and of 
an act removing the duty on potash — Changes in the ministry — 
Postscript of the 24th concerning a petition of West Indian agents 
for a law prohibiting the northern colonies from importing sugar, 
rum, and molasses from foreign sources — Postscript of August 9 
referring to Solicitor Paris's bill for services m connection with the 
currency bill. 



X Contents 

The West Indian Agents to Richard Partridge, July ii, 

1751 133 

Informing him of their intended petition. 
Thomas Hill to the Governor and Company of Rhode Island, 

July 9, 1751 134 

In reference to three Acts of Parliament in which the colonies are 
concerned. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, April to, 1752 . . 135 
Public news — The West India petition — Postscript dated May 4 
relates to the agent's accounts, the ministry, and the sugar and 
molasses act, 
Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, November 15, 1753 '3^ 
The question of the continuation or repeal of the sugar act of 
1733 — '^^^ northern boundary — The solicitor's bill — Avowing 
his zeal in the colony's service. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, March 7, 1754 . . 140 
Aspersions of Rhode Island in Parliament — Death of Henry 
Pelham. 
Richard Partridge to Goy,ernor Greene, July 30, 1754 .... 142 
Introducing Thomas Stephens, a gentleman desiring to establish 
the manufacture of potash in America. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, August 22, 1754 . . 143 

Concerning French encroachments on the frontier. 
Governor Greene to Governor Sharpe, November 28, 1754 . 144 
To the governor of Maryland concerning the French encroach- 
ments. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, December 9, 1754 . 145 
Preparations against the French — The sugar and molasses act — 
General news. 
Governor Shirley to Deputy-Governor Gardner, January 13, 

I7SS M7 

Complimenting Rhode Island on her zeal for His Majesty's ser- 
vice. 
Henry Babcock to Thomas Ward, February 8, 1755 .... 148 

A report from the captain of a militia company just organized. 
Governor Shirley to Governor Greene, March 26, 1755 . . 149 

Concerning an intended expedition against the French. 
Thomas Cranston and Peter Bours to the Committee of 

War, May 22, 1755 ^5^ 

Concerning the purchase of powder for the expedition. 
The Committee of War to Governor Hopkins, May 27, 1755 . 151 
Concerning arms, blankets, and pork for the expedition. 



Contents xi 

The Committee of War to Governor Hopkins, June 4, 1755 . 152 

Concerning the transportation of provisions, etc., for the troops. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, July 4, 1755 • • • '53 
Congratulating the newly elected governor — The American pre- 
parations against the French — The King's movements — Parliament 
— Threatened trouble with the Moors averted. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, August 8, 1755 • ■ ^55 
Preparations for war — Anxiety in regard to Braddock's expedi- 
tion — The ordnance again — Postscript of the 23d refers to the war 
outlook and the friendship of Spain. 
Governor Hopkins to the Two Houses of Assembly, August 

"> I7SS 157 

On the danger to the colonies from the success of the French 
against Braddock and the necessity of action on the part of the legis- 
lature. 
Colonel William Johnson to Governor Hopkins, August 20, 

1755 159 

Sending Colonel Harris to solicit clothing, etc., for the Rhode 
Island regiment in the Crown Point expedition. 
Richard Partridge to Messrs. Nichols, Cranston, and Bours, 

August 28, 1755 160 

Relating to the seizure at Newport of a vessel belonging to the 
Marquis de Lambertie — Postscript dated September 3 relates to 
the Marquis de Lambertie and the war outlook. 
A Summons to the Sheriff of Kent County, September i, 1755 162 
Summoning a General Assembly to act on General Johnson's call 
for reinforcements. 
Richard Partridge to Messrs. Nichols, Cranston, and Bours, 

September 6, 1755 163 

The Marquis de Lambertie's affair. 
Memorial of the Marquis de Lambertye, September i, 1755 • ^^5 

Enclosed with the last. 
Richard Partridge to the Colony of Rhode Island, Septem- 
ber 10, 1755 168 

The De Lambertie affair — The ordnance — The war outlook — 
Postscript dated October 4 relates to the Marquis and the prospect 
of war. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, October 4, 1755 . 173 

Transmitting a copy of the last — The ordnance. 
Richard Partridge to Deputy-Governor Nicholls, November 

19, 1755 ^IZ 

The Marquis de Lambertie — Parliament — The ministry — The 
I war outlook — The war in the colonies — The Lisbon earthquake. 



xii Contents 

Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, December i6, 1755 ^75 
A proposed reimbursement of the expense of the northern colonies 
in the Crown Point expedition — Postscript dated the 23d refers to 
the same. 
Report of a Scout, by Captain Rodgers, December 17, 1755 . 177 
Report of a reconnoissance of Ticonderoga addressed to the com- 
mander of Fort William Henry. 
Nathan Whiting to Governor Hopkins, January i, 1756 . . 180 

Concerning the condition of affairs at Fort Edward. 
Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins, January 2, 1756 . . 181 
Outlining a plan of campaign against Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, February 12, 1756 186 
Grants for Sir William Johnson and the colonial governments for 
services against the French — Appropriation for a regiment to be 
raised in America — The war outlook — The Marquis de Lambertie. 
Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins, February 20, 1756 . 188 

Urging a liberal levy of troops for the Crown Point expedition. 
Governor Fitch to Governor Hopkins, February 26, 1756 . . 192 
From the Connecticut governor concerning the expedition against 
Crown Point. 
Governor Sir Charles Hardy to Governor Hopkins, Febru- 
ary 29, 1756 193 

From the governor of New York concerning the Crown Point ex- 
pedition — Commending Captain Rogers — An Indian attack. 
Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins, March 8, 1756 . . 195 
Concerning troops, transportation, arms, ammunition, provisions, 
etc., for the expedition. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, March 12, 1756 . 198 
The grant to the colonies of remuneration for expenses — The 
troops for America — Expectation of an invasion of England — The 
Albany plan of a union of the colonies — A newspaper — Royal 
warrants for grants to the several colonies. 
Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins, March 16, 1756 . . 201 
Urging an increase of the Rhode Island levy of troops and making 
certain recommendations as to facilitating transportation. 

Governor Sir Charles Hardy to Governor Hopkins, March 

17, 1756 203 

Concerning the Crown Point expedition. 

Colonel Bemsley Gleasier to Governor Hopkins, April i, 

1756 204 

Concerning the enlisting of Rhode Island men for the Crown 



Contents xiii 

Point expedition — Captain Whiting's furlough — A need of armor- 
ers. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, April 6, 1756 . . . 206 
Announcing the shipment of specie in payment of the grant to 
Rhode Island — A bill to be brought into the House of Commons 
requiring members of colonial assemblies to take oaths to the King 
and government. 

Memorial of Richard Partridge to the Lords of Trade, 

April 2, 1756 209 

Enclosed in the last — The ordnance. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, May 7, 1756 . . . 213 
The shipment of specie — Public news — The ordnance — The 
agent's accounts — Postscript dated the 22d announces the declara- 
tion of war against France and gives general news. 

Governor Hopkins to the House of Deputies, June 9, 1756 . 216 
Recommending an addition to the Rhode Island forces raised for 
the Crown Point expedition — Asking instructions as to the disposi- 
tion of the money granted by Parliament — The settlement of 
forfeited estates of counterfeiters — The auditing of the General 
Treasurer's accounts — The credit of the colony. 

Gerard Beekman to the Committee of War, June 26, 1756 . 218 
Concerning payment and supplies for discharged Rhode Island 
soldiers. 

General Winslow to Governor Hopkins, June 27, 1756 . . . 219 
Enclosing a return of the Rhode Island troops in the Crown Point 
expedition. 

Letter of Major Samuel Angell, June 29, 1756 221 

Concerning the lack of certain stores for the expedition — Deser- 
tions. 

General Winslow to Governor Hopkins, July 4, 1756 . . . 222 
The plan of campaign and other news of the Crown Point expedi- 
tion. 

Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, July 12, 1756 . . . 223 
The specie — War news — The ordnance — Postscript dated 
August 2 gives news of the war. 

General Winslow to Governor Hopkins, July 27, 1756 . . . 226 

News of the expedition. 
Governor Fitch to Governor Hopkins, July 27, 1756 .... 228 
Transmitting a copy of Sir William Johnson's letter to General 
Abercrombie giving an account of a treaty with the Shawanese and 
Delaware Indians. 



xiv Contents 

Governor Denny to Governor Hopkins, August 21, 1756 . . 229 
From the governor of Pennsylvania desiring a correspondence with 
the governor of Rhode Island. 
Thomas Stephens to Governor Hopkins, September 4, 1756 . 230 

In reference to the manufacture of potash. 
Major Samuel Angell to Governor Hopkins, September 5, 

1756 231 

News from the expedition — The taking of Oswego by the French. 
Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins, September 13, 1756 233 

Reinforcements for Lord Loudoun — Operations on the Mohawk. 
Governor Hopkins to the General Assembly, October 28, 

1756 234 

Urging action to remedy the evils of the currency. 
William Bayard to Governor Hopkins, November 19, 1756 . 236 
Reporting the delivery to George Hopkins of the money granted 
by Parliament to Rhode Island. 
Nathan Whiting to the Committee of War, December 15, 

1756 237 

Concerning provisions, clothing, etc., for the troops — Announcing 
his commissions from Governors Shirley and Fitch as Quarter- 
master-General and suggesting an allowance from Rhode Island. 
Lord Loudoun to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island, January 29, 1757 238 

Criticising the conduct of the war on the part of the Provincials 
and explaining his attitude towards the colonial troops under his 
command. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, February 3, 1757 . 244 
Public uneasiness and changes in the ministry — War measures 
— Trial of Admiral Byng — Laws to reduce the price of wheat and 
flour in England. 

William Pitt to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island, February 4, 1757 246 

From the Secretary of State urging on behalf of the King the 
raising of troops for service against the French. 

John Pownall to Governor Hopkins, March 7, 1757 .... 247 
Transmitting a copy of an act prohibiting the exportation of certain 
products from the colonies to foreign countries. 

J. Osborne to Governor Hopkins, April 2, 1757 248 

Regarding payment of a courier carrying letters to and from 
Albany. 

Christopher Kilby to Governor Hopkins, April 4, 1757 . . 249 
Concerning provisions for the troops. 



Contents xv 

Petition of Samuel Ward to the General Assembly, May 7, 

1757 250 

Concerning a suit for defamation brought by Governor Hopkins. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, May 19, 1757 . . . 253 
The act in regard to bar iron — Public news. 

General Webb to Governor Greene, June 9, 1757 255 

Concerning reinforcements, supplies, etc., for the Provincial 
troops — Deserters. 
General Webb to Governor Greene, August 12, 1757 . . . 256 
Enclosing a return of the present strength of the Rhode Island 
regiment and urging the necessity of filling deficiencies. 
Governor Povv^nall to Sir William Pepperell, August 13, 1757 257 
From the governor of Massachusetts concerning provisions for 
the troops. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, October 7, 1757 . . 258 
The ordnance — The European war — Postscripts dated the nth 
relate to an unsuccessful descent of a British fleet upon the French 
coast, the writer's accounts, and the surrender of Fort William 
Henry. 
Petition of Richard Partridge to George H., August, 1757 . 262 

In the matter of the ordnance. 
William Pitt to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island, December 30, 1757 265 

Conveying His Majesty's orders in regard to the raising of troops 
for an intended invasion of Canada. 
William Pitt to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island, December 30, 1757 270 

Enjoining obedience to the orders of Major-General Abercrombie 
and the commander-in-chief of the King's ships in America. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Greene, March 4, 1758 . . 271 
Concerning claims against the Crown for expenses of provisions, 
etc., for the colonial troops. 
Governor Hopkins to the House of Deputies, March 17, 1758 273 
Recommending consideration of the condition of the fort and of 
what should be done with the colony's brigantine. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, May 13, 1758 . . . 273 
Concerning Rhode Island's application for the appointment of a 
judge of the Court of Vice-Admiralty — Public news — The sugar 
and molasses act — Postscript dated the 24th encloses a warrant ap- 
pointing John Andrews judge of the Admiralty Court. 
Governor Hopkins to General Abercromby, June 8, 1758 . . 277 
Embargo — Troops — Reimbursement of expense for provisions, 
etc. 



xvi Contents 

The Committee of War to Colonel Henry Babcock, June 19, 

1758 278 

Requesting him to return arms if not needed. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, August 28, 1758 . 278 
War news — The taking of Louisbourg and the repulse of Aber- 
crombie at Ticonderoga. 
William Pitt to the Governor and Company of Rhode Is- 
land, December 9, 1758 280 

Conveying the King's orders as to troops and supplies for the in- 
vasion of Canada. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, January 31, 1759 . 284 
The writer's account — Concerning reimbursement for supplies, 
etc., for troops raised in 1758. 
Richard Partridge to Governor Hopkins, March i, 1759 . . 286 
The agent reports his illness and suggests a successor in the event 
of his death. 
Joseph Sherwood to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island, March 17, 1759 287 

Announcing Partridge's death and his own appointment as his 
executor and offering his services as agent. 
Governor Hopkins to the House of Deputies, May 4, 1759 . . 288 

Recommending the consideration of measures of defence. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, May it, 1759 . . . 289 
Officers of the Court of Vice-Admiralty — The colony's claim for 
reimbursement of expense in raising and provisioning troops. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, July 14, 1759 . . . 292 
The claim for reimbursement — The court officers — Return of a 
naval expedition. 
Letter of Agency from Rhode Island to Joseph Sherwood, 

November i, 1759 294 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, December 3, 1759 . . 296 
Allotment of Rhode Island's proportion of the money granted to 
the colonies — Public news. 
William Pitt to the Governor and Company of Rhode Is- 
land, January 7, 1760 299 

The King's orders as to the raising and provisioning of troops. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, January 31, 1760 . . 303 

Payment of the colonies' claims by a treasury loan — Public news. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, March 17, 1760 . . 305 
The investment of the Rhode Island grant — The Crown Point 
expedition claim — Reimbursement claim for 1759 — The court offi- 
cers — Public news. 



Contents xvii 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, April 12, 1760 . . . 307 

Reimbursement claims. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, December 10, 1760 . 309 
The Crown Point expedition claim — Accession of George IH. ■ — 
Public news. 
Samuel Ward to the General Assembly, January 2, 1761 . . 311 
To the members in their private capacity, stating his position as 
to candidacy for governor against Hopkins. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, January 31, 1761 . . 313 
The Crown Point expedition claim — Enclosing the report of the 
Secretary at War and the Paymaster-General upon the agent's peti- 
tion. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, March 3, 1761 . . . 316 

Reimbursement claims — Public news. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, May 30, 1761 . . . 318 
Reimbursement claims for 1759 and 1760 — Condemnation of 
ships engaged in trade with the French — Disposition of money 
granted — Crown Point claim — General Amherst's return of troops 
voted by the colonies in 1759. 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, February 6, 1762 . . 322 
A grant to the colonies — Public news — Failure of application 
for reimbursement of Crown Point expenses. 
Samuel Ward to the General Assembly, February 26, 1762 . 323 

Proposing a compromise with Governor Hopkins. 
Instructions of Governor Ward to Colonel Rose, May 17, 

1762 325 

Directing him to proceed with the Rhode Island regiment to 
Albany. 
Governor Ward to Nathaniel Mumford, July i, 1762 . . . 326 
Despatching him to New York to obtain money from General 
Amherst on the billeting rolls for 1757, 1761, and 1762. 

Colonel Rose to Governor Ward, July 5, 1762 329 

Enclosing a return of the regiment — Desertions. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward, July 31, 1762 .... 331 

Reimbursement for 1760 — Peace talk. 
Lieutenant Edmund Newland to Governor Ward, August 2, 

1762 333 

Suggesting an improved method of recruiting. 
Governor Ward to Joseph Sherwood, August 6, 1762 .... 334 
Reimbursement claims — Protested drafts — The agent's accounts 
— The colony's debt — Distress among the people — Enlistment of 
troops. 



xviii Contents 

Governor Ward to Colonel Rose, September 6, 1762 .... 337 

On various subjects connected with the regiment. 
Colonel James Robertson to General Amherst, September 15, 

1762 338 

Concerning the Rhode Island billeting rolls of 1757. 
Captain Cornell to Governor Ward, September 20, 1762 . . 340 

In regard to the reenlisting of a company of troops. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward, March 26, 1763 . . . 342 
Grants to the colonies — Proclamation of the Peace of Paris — 
Popular dissatisfaction at a proposed extension of the excise laws. 
Governor Ward to Joseph Sherwood, April 6, 1763 .... 343 
Reimbursement claims — The Surveyor-General's demand on 
Rhode Island on account of a sale of forfeited sugars — Introducing 
Mr. John Hadwen — The company at Fort Stanwix. 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward, May 21, 1763 346 

Transmitting an evidence of Pennsylvania's indebtedness to Rhode 
Island on account of an arrangement between the agents in reference 
to the 1760 grant. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, June 8, 1763 .... 347 
The Crown Point claim — General Amherst's return of colonial 
troops in 1761. 
Captain Cornell to Governor Hopkins, June 24, 1763 . . . 350 

Concerning the garrison at Fort Stanwix. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, July 7, 1763 .... 350 
The application for distribution of the Parliamentary grant for 
1761. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, September 12, 1763 . 351 
Share of Massachusetts in the ;£'io,ooo balance — The 1761 grant 
— Changes in the ministry — A scheme to prevent or abridge the 
trade of the colonies with the French islands. 

Governor Hamilton to Governor Hopkins, October 3, 1763 . 353 
In regard to the discharge of Pennsylvania's debt to Rhode 
Island. 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, October 31, 1763 . . 354 
Allotment of Rhode Island's share of the 1761 grant — The Penn- 
sylvania reimbursement — The affair of the sloop Kinnicut — Par- 
liament — A new collector for Newport. 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, November 25, 1763 . 356 
Receipt of Rhode Island's proportion of the grant for 1761 — 
The agent's account. 

Bill of Exchange, November 28, 1763 356 

Sherwood's draft for ;^ioo. 



Contents xix 

Governor Hopkins to the Sheriff of the County of Newport, 

January 13, 1764 357 

A warrant for the convocation of the General Assembly for the 
purpose of raising troops against the Indians — The sheriff's return. 
Thomas Richardson to Joseph Clarke, October 27, 1764 . . 359 

Concerning a shipment of money from Philadelphia. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, February 23, 1765 . 360 

Concerning the rejection of certain petitions in Parliament. 
Joseph Sherwood to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island, April it, 1765 361 

Concerning a petition to the King and the use of certain pamphlets 
— The merchants of London and the relief of the colonies — A 
bill in Parliament for punishing mutiny and desertion in America, 
and requiring colonists to furnish quarters, etc., for the troops. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, May 2, 1765 .... 363 
Omission of the obnoxious features in the bill in regard to the 
quartering of troops — Obligations of the colonies to the London 
merchants in this matter — Complaints against the colony on ac- 
count of an attack upon the British schooner St. John — An Act to 
Regulate the Trade of America — A regency bill under considera- 
tion. 

Governor Ward to Joseph Sherwood, June 28, 1765 365 

Commending his action in opposing the measure in regard to the 
quartering of troops and expressing obligations to the London mer- 
chants for their assistance — The affair of Lieutenant Hill and the 
schooner St. John — The Act to Regulate the Trade of America — 
Reimbursement for the Crown Point expedition of 1756. 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward, July 16, 1765 .... 367 

Announcing a change of ministry. 
Governor Fauquier to Governor Ward, August 8, 1765 . . 368 
Respecting a charge against Captain Charles Thomas of kidnap- 
ping free negroes in Africa. 

Captain Thomas to Governor Fauquier, July 26, 1765 . . . 369 
Enclosed with the last — Denying the charge of kidnapping 
negroes and explaining the circumstances. 

Thomas Newton and Co. to Governor Fauquier, July 27, 

1765 371 

Concerning the charge against Captain Thomas. 

The Lords of Trade to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island, August 23, 1765 371 

Announcing their appointment and desiring news from time to 
time. 



XX Contents 

Governor Ward to Messrs. John Robinson and John Nicoll, 

October 29, 1765 372 

To the King's customs officers at Newport, recommending leniency 
and assuring them of protection from violence. 
Governor Ward to the Lords of the Treasury, November 

21, 1765 373 

Concerning the customs officers. 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward, January ii, 1766 . . . 374 
Reimbursement claim for 1756 — Outlook for America in Parlia- 
ment — Action of the London merchants. 

John Robinson and John Nicoll to Governor Ward, Febru- 
ary 22, 1766 376 

Complaining of unfair treatment by the Court of Admiralty in 
several cases. 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward, March 13, 1766 ... 381 
The repeal of the Stamp Act — The agent's accounts and the pro- 
testing of drafts — Concerning letters to Colonel Barre — In regard 
to certain petitions. 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward, May 15, 1766 .... 384 
Reporting the adoption by the Commons of a set of resolutions 
for a tariff revision favorable to the colonies — Transmitting the 
report of the Paymaster-General and the Secretary at War on the 
expenses incurred in 1756 — Claims against Rhode Island on ac- 
count of riots. 

The Governor and Company of Rhode Island to the King, 

June 14, 1766 388 

Conveying thanks to the King and Parliament for the repeal of 
the Stamp Act. 

Governor Ward to the Merchants in London, June 30, 1766 391 
Thanking them for their assistance in procuring the repeal of the 
Stamp Act. 

Governor Ward to Joseph Sherwood, July 4, 1766 391 

Gratitude in the colonies for the repeal of the Stamp Act — The 
address to the King — The 1756 claim. 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward, July 25, 1766 .... 393 
Suspension of payment of claim of 1756 till the colony's answer 
be received in regard to the claims for damages on account of riots 
against the Stamp Act. 

John Robinson and John Nicoll to Governor Ward, Decem- 
ber 22, 1766 394 

Concerning the judge and the advocate of the Court of Admiralty. 



Contents xxi 

Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, May 20, 1767 . . . 395 
A bill to prohibit the legislature of New York from passing any 
act until they shall have complied with the act of Parliament re- 
lating to billeting soldiers — A proposal to lay duties on certain 
articles imported into America — The indemnification for riot dam- 
ages. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, August 7, 1767 . . . 396 
The Crown Point reimbursement still contingent on the compensa- 
tion of riot sufferers — The case of Collector Robinson — Passage of 
two acts relating to the customs in America. 
Lord Shelburne to the Governor and Company of Rhode Is- 
land, October 8, 1767 . 398 

Transmitting a copy of an act to enable the King to put the cus- 
toms, etc., into the hands of a resident commission. 
Tobias Shattock to the Committee of the General Assembly, 

December 8, 1767 398 

Concerning the forced sale of certain lands belonging to the 
Indians in Rhode Island. 
Matthew Robinson to Governor Hopkins, March i, 1768 . . 400 

Concerning the negotiations with the Indians. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins, March 21, 1768 . . 401 
Dissolution of Parliament — Collector Robinson's case — The 
Crown Point claim — The writer's accounts. 
Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island, April 30, 1768 402 

Desiring the apprehension of Kinsman, the alleged murderer of 
William Odgers, a customs officer at Penzance. 
Edward Stanley to Thomas Bradshaw, April 21, 1768 . . . 403 

Enclosed with the last — Enclosing affidavits against Kinsman. 
Thomas Bradshaw to Richard Phelps, April 25, 1768 .... 405 
Enclosed with Lord Hillsborough's letter — Concerning the Kins- 
man case. 

Edward Stanley to Thomas Bradshaw, April 14, 1768 . . . 406 
Enclosed with the last — The Kinsman case. 

The House of Deputies to the House of Burgesses of Vir- 
ginia, June 20, 1768 407 

In regard to an address to the King protesting against recent 
acts of Parliament for raising revenue in the colonies and professing 
loyalty to the Crown and the Constitution. 

The House of Deputies to the House of Representatives of 

Massachusetts, August 5, 1768 410 

Concerning the address to the King. 



xxii Conteiits 

Governor Botetourt to Governor Ward, December 24, 1768 . 412 

Announcing his appointment by the King. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Lyndon, February 4, 1769 . .413 
The claim for 1756 — Enclosing a pardon for a negro woman — 
The agent's account. 

Joseph Sherwood to Moses Brown, July 21, 1769 414 

The agent's accounts and correspondence. 
Joseph Sherwood to Governor Wanton, January 26, 1770 . . 415 
The 1756 claim and the riot sufferers — Parliament and the 
American situation. 
The Assembly of Maryland to the Assembly of Rhode Is- 
land, February 26, 1770 416 

Enclosing a copy of resolutions concerning the American griev- 
ances against England. 
Joseph Wanton, Jr., to Moses Brown, April 5, 1770 .... 418 
Urging efforts on the part of the Hopkins faction against the 
Ward faction. 

Moses Brown to Joseph Sherwood, June, 1770 420 

Advising him of the determination of the colonists to import as 
little as possible from Great Britain until the tea duty is removed. 

Moses Brown to Joseph Sherwood, July 3, 1770 421 

The agent's accounts — Talk in the Assembly of the 1756 claim 
and the desirability of engaging a new agent or employing some one 
to serve jointly with Sherwood. 

Joseph Sherwood to Moses Brown, September 4, 1770 . . . 423 
Complaining of his treatment at the hands of the Assembly — The 
1756 claim and the compensation of the riot sufferers — Importations 
into the colonies. 

Jonathan Arnold to the General Assembly 424 

Resigning the office of Clerk of the Superior Court for the County 
of Providence. 

Joseph Sherwood to Moses Brown, September 15, 1770 . . . 425 

The attitude of Freebody and Mawdesley toward the writer — 

The 1756 claim. 

Joseph Sherwood to Moses Brown, September 22, 1770 . . . 426 

Defending his position as to the 1756 claim and asserting the use- 

lessness of making an application to Parliament. 

J. Pownall to the Governor and Company of Rhode Island, 

July i, 1772 429 

A circular letter transmitting copies of acts of Parliament relating 
to America and of the King's speech to Parliament. 



Contents xxiii 

Lord Dartmouth to the Governor and Company of Rhode 
Island, March 3, 1773. 430 

From the Secretary of State conveying the King's command that 
warships flying an admiral's flag shall be properly saluted. 
Lord Dartmouth to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island, April 10, 1773 431 

Concerning a claim for reimbursement. 
The Executors of Joseph Sherwood to the Governor and 

Company of Rhode Island, June 26, 1773 431 

Announcing the death of Joseph Sherwood, enclosing a statement ^ 
of his account, and desiring payment. 
The Committee of Correspondence at Boston to the Com- 
mittee AT Newport, March 29, 1774 434 

Concerning William Goddard's plan for a reorganization of the 
postal service throughout the colonies to protect the liberties of 
Americans. 
W. Knox to the Governor and Company of Rhode Island, 

June i, 1774 436 

Transmitting copies of two acts of Parliament. 
The Committee of Correspondence of Massachusetts to the 

Committee of Rhode Island, June 4, 1774 437 

Transmitting copies of two bills brought into Parliament and 
denouncing them as cruel and oppressive. 
John Sherwood to Governor Wanton, August 13, 1774 . . . 438 
Rumor of a bill to vacate the Rhode Island charter — Electioneer- 
ing. 
John Northup to Nicholas Cooke, February 16, 1775 .... 439 
Concerning the equipment of militia. 

Anonymous Letter, February 24, 1775 439 

Concerning movements of the British troops in America — Post- 
script dated March 2 relates to the same. 
Speaker of the Assembly of New York to the Speaker of the 

Assembly of Rhode Island, April 10, 1775 441 

Transmitting copies of resolutions of the House, a petition to the 
King, and memorials to Parliament. 
Speaker of the House in Connecticut to the Speaker of 

THE House in Rhode Island, July 12, 1775 441 

Concerning preparations for the war against England — The atti- 
tude of the Canadians. 

Appendix 445 

A chronological list of the correspondence of the colonial gov- 
ernors of Rhode Island, 1731 to 1775. 
Index 469 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGB 

Stephen Hopkins House, Providence Frontispiece "^ 

From a photograph. 

Gideon Wanton 60 • 

From the collection of Rhode Island Portraits owned by the His- 
torical Society, Providence. 

Governor William Greene House, East Greenwich .... 144' 
From a photograph. 

Samuel Ward 3341 

From the collection of Rhode Island Portraits owned by the His- 
torical Society, Providence. 

Joseph Wanton 416 

From a painting in the State House, Providence. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COLONIAL 
GOVERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND 



GOVERNOR GREENE TO RICHARD PARTRIDGE. 

Newport on Rhode Island August i'* 1746 

Friend Partridge 

the Duplicate of Your Letter Dated April 22*? 
1746 per Cap! Shores; Came to hand the 15"^ of 
July Last ; by which we are Informed that the affare 
of the boundary Line betwixt this Colony and the 
province of the Massachusetts Bay (which has been 
so Long Disputed ; is at Last Determined in our Fa- 
viour ; which is not only well pleasing to me but as 
well to the People in Gen" in this Colony ; and also 
to a great part of the people (as I am Informed) that 
will be Taken into this Colony by said Line now in 
Behalf of this Colony ; and in Perticular that part 
which will be Included therein by the Settlement of 
Said Line. I earnestly Request that you use your 
utmost Indeaviours to git his Majesties Royal order 
out under the privy seal, with all Expedition possa- 
ble and Send it to this Colony ; that those people who 
are now Dayly Suffering under the Extraordinary 
Proceedings of the province of the Massachusetts ; 
may be more at peace for they are almost Daly Im- 
presing more or less of them as I am Informed ; and 

VOL. IL 



Correspondence of the 



Many Such as they Cant Resonably expect will bare 
arms for Conciance Sake ; by which Means they 
Draw Great Sums of Money from Many ; otherwise 
they will not Release them ; 

I have persuant to Your Request of the 6'^ of Feb^ 
1744^ Sent you a plan of our fourt and harbour ; as 
it now is ; and also a plan as the fort is proposed to 
be built with several Batteries as you will See by one 
of Said plans ; I hope You will Do all in Your power 
to procure the Cannon and other Stores for this Col- 
ony ; according to their Request some time past (that 
is as a present from his majesty) 

I Rec''' his Majesties Instructions from his Grace 
the Duke of New Castle Relating the Expedition 
against Canada the 28'?" of May Last and emediately 
Called the General assembly ; who unanimously Con- 
cluded to Raise three Hundred Souldiers as Land 
fources ; and to Send our Gard Sloop with one Hun- 
dred Seamen ; and ordered a bounty of fifty pounds 
to each Souldier that should enlist into his Majesties 
Service for their Incoragement ; besides Cloathing 
beding Tents &c* by which Means we soon have the 
Most part of that Number enlisted and they are Now 
Ready to Imbark as soon as his Majesties fources 
arrives, our Small Government have got their Men 
Ready Much Sooner than the Massachusets and a 
Creator proportion notwithstanding they so often 
Complain of us. 

I am Your Sincere friend 

W^ Greene 

1 February 6, i74|. 



Colonial Gover^iors of Rhode Island 3 

ADMIRAL WARREN TO GOVERNOR GREENE, 

Boston August 19'? 1746 
Sir 

Admiral Townsend having desired me to give no- 
tice to the Trade of the Colonys, that a Convoy will 
sail from Louisbourg for England about the latter 
end of September, vi^ho will take any Ships under 
their care that chuse to joyn the said Convoy at 
Louisbourg. I take this method to desire you will 
be pleas'd to notify this to the Trade of your Colony, 
as I do not think it adviseable to advertize it in the 
Publick Prints. 
I am Sir 

Yf Most Obedient humble Servant 

P Warren 

To The Hon^?* Benjamin ^ Green Esqf 
Governour of Road Island 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY AND ADMIRAL WARREN TO GOVERNOR 

GREENE. 

■ Boston August 25* 1746 
Sir, 

His Grace the Duke of New Castle having by his 
Majesty's Command in his Letter of the <^^ of last 
April ^ signified to Mr Shirley, that if L* General S* 
Clair ^ and we should think that any other Scheme, 

1 This is a mistake. William Greene was governor of Rhode Island in 1746. 

2 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 162. 

8 Commander of the expected reinforcements from England. 



Correspondence of the 



than that which is contained in his Grace's said Let- 
ter y^r //^^ Reduction of Caizada may be more prac- 
ticable and adviseable^ It will certainly be left to us 
three to do as we shall think proper ; We have ac- 
cordingly in the Absence of Lieu' General S* Clair 
(and as the major part of those in whom his Majesty- 
reposes this Trust) from Time to Time, as we have 
judged it necessary for promoting his Majesty's Ser- 
vice, concerted Measures for the better conducting 
of the Preparations for this important Enterprize. 

And whereas it appears to us from the Accounts 
we have received of the Levies raised within his Ma- 
jesty's several Governments engaged in this Expedi- 
tion, that those raised within the four Colonies of 
New England do not exceed 5000, at the most, nor 
those within the five Southern Colonies 2100, which 
Troops together with the Six Regiments expected 
from England, and the two lately arrived at Louis- 
burg from Gibralter will not as we conceive be a 
sufficient Land Force for the Reduction of the whole 
Country of Canada, tho' the Squadron of his Ma- 
jesty's Ships and Transports appointed for the Ser- 
vice of the Expedition should arrive at Louisburg in 
Time for proceeding this Year up the River of S! 
Lawrence and carrying on afterwards the necessary 
Operations against Quebec, which from the advanced 
Season of the Year and our not having yet received 
Advice of their being on their Passage, we are very 
apprehensive they most probably will not ; And 
whereas we are of Opinion that the before mentioned 
American Troops, together with the Indians of the 
Six Nations, which it is hop'd will join with his Ma- 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 5 

jesty's Troops in this Expedition, may, if they should 
Act in Conjunction against the French Fort at 
Crown Point,^ be a sufficient Force for the Reduction 
of it even tho no Diversion should be made at Que- 
bec to favour this Enterprize by a Land Armament, 
provided it is attempted without Delay. 

And it appears to us that this Fort being the Key 
of Canada on the Land Side, and the Place of Ren- 
dezvous, from whence the Enemy not only may make 
Incursions upon most of his Majesty's Colonies, and 
have begun already to commit great Devestations, 
but may very much annoy that part of his Majesty's 
Land Forces which according to the Plan of Opera- 
tions for this Expedition, transmitted to M' Shirley 
in the Duke of New Castle's Letter, is design'd to 
penetrate into Canada from Albany by Land (if it 
should be left on their backs in the Possession of the 
Enemy) the Reduction and Garrisoning of it by his 
Majesty's Forces would not only be a Protection to 
the English Settlements on the Frontiers during the 
Expedition, but open a more safe Passage into the 
Enemy's Country for his Majesty's Forces, be a com- 
modious Magazine to 'em for Stores and Provisions, 
and by making us Masters of the Lake Champlain 
with the Passes, Defiles, and carrying Places as far 
as the Fort at Chamblee," within Sixteen Miles of 
Montreal, afford an easy transportation of Provisions 

1 The English name for the point on the western shore of the soutliern end of Lake 
Champlain, where the lake suddenly narrows so that a few cannon would stop the pas- 
sage. The French intrenched themselves there in 1731, and named the place Fort 
Frederic. It was a halfway station between Albany and Montreal, and the basis of 
forays against the settlers of New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. 

2 Fort Chambly, a French outpost. 



Correspondence of the 



and Succours for the Support of the Expedition, pre- 
vent the Enemy from discovering our Motions on 
that Side and put it into Our Power to make sudden 
Descents on them, all which would be the most 
effectual Means of confirming the Indians of the Six 
Nations most strongly in his Majesty's Interest, and 
very probably draw over to it some of the Tribes 
now in the French Interest, or at least bring them 
into a State of Neutrality between his Majesty's Sub- 
jects and the French, and would thro' the Blessing 
of Divine Providence on his Majesty's Arms very 
much facilitate the Conquest of the whole Country 
of Canada the next Year, if his Majesty should then be 
graciously pleased to send early in the Spring such 
a Naval and Land Force to proceed up the River 
S! Lawrence as he shall judge sufficient with the 
Assistance of the Troops raised in America for the 
Reduction of Quebec and Montreal (as we have 
the strongest Reason to hope he will) and in the 
mean Time Succours are prevented from being in- 
troduc'd by Sea into Quebec : And whereas we are 
persuaded that on the other Hand an unsuccessful 
Attempt both by Sea and Land this Year for the 
Reduction of the whole Country (which we appre- 
hend from the lateness of the Season, and the Weak- 
ness of the Forces rais'd in the five Southern Col- 
onies, that must in such Case march from Albany 
in the Enemy's Country by themselves, there is 
reason to fear might be the Case, especially if the 
Fort at Crown Point is not first reduced) would be 
attended with the immediate Loss of the Six Nations 
to his Majesty's Service, and unite all the Indians 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 7 

most firmly in the French Interest, prove fatal to 
the Expedition, and afterwards produce very bad 
Consequences to all his Majesty's Northern Col- 
onies 

We therefore conceiving it our indispensible Duty 
in the Absence of Lieu! General S! Clair to execute 
the Trust reposed in him and Us by his Majesty, in 
such Manner as we two shall judge to be most for 
his Majesty's Service and the Interest of the North- 
ern Colonies upon this Occasion, and apprehending 
that the joining of all the American Forces now 
raised in the Reduction of Crown Point, in Case we 
don't very suddenly hear of the Arrival of the Fleet 
and British Troops at Louisburg, nor receive other 
Instructions from his Majesty, will not only facilitate 
the Conquest of the whole Country of Canada the 
next Year, but is conformable to the Scheme of the 
Intended Expedition as the same has been communi- 
cated in the Duke of New Castle's Letter, and is 
indeed the only part of it that is likely to be practi- 
cable this Year, have communicated our Sentiments 
to your Honour, and doubt not of your Concurrence 
with us in this Case for his Majesty's Service and 
the General Interest of the Colonies, and desire that 
your Troops may receive Orders from you to hold 
themselves in readiness, to proceed upon the first 
Notice to Albany, where we shall recommend it also 
to the Governments of New Hampshire and Con- 
necticutt to send their Troops upon the same Ser- 
vice, in Case we shall not very suddenly receive 
Instructions from his Majesty which may interfere 
with this Design 



8 Correspondence of the 

We have Signified this Our Opinion to Governour 
Clinton by an Express sent to Albany and desired 
him to get a proper Train of Artillery transported to 
the nearest Place of Rendezvous, from Crown Point 
without Delay, to be ready for the Execution of this 
Scheme and to acquaint the Officers of the Forces 
of the other Southern Governments with what we 
propose. 

My Shirley will order what Ordnance Stores he 
can from this Province which are not to be procured 
in the other Governments, and We desire that your 
Honour will provide your Proportion of Powder 
upon this Occasion 

We are with Regard Sir 

Your Honour's most Obedient humble Servants 
W Shirley P Warren 

To the Hon^!* Govr Green 



DEPUTY-GOVERNOR WHIPPLE TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY 

Genf^ 

Your Letter of the 25*^ instant* came to Me in the 
Absence of Governour Green, and in Answer to 
which I am to inform You, That our Forces em- 
barked the last Week, and will be ready to join the 
Forces of the Neighbouring Governments If They 
undertake the Reduction of Crown Point. 

I should be glad to be inform'd Whether You 
carry all or what Part of the Provisions to Albany 

1 See above, p. 3. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 9 

which were designed for your Forces Provided They 
had gone up the River of S' Lawrence, and also what 
Quantity of Powder will be this Colony's Propor- 
tion. I am Gent" 

Your most obed' humble Serv! 

J. W. 

Newport 29"" Aug^ 1746 

To his Excy W. Shirley Esq and the Hon^'" P. 
Warren Esq Boston 



SECRETARY WILLARD TO DEPUTY-GOVERNOR WHIPPLE. 

Boston Septem! i'.' 1746 
Sir 

Governour Shirley has directed me to inform your 
Honour that he has received your Letter to him and 
Admiral Warren of the 29'.'' of August/ and that the 
sudden Death of His Lady Prevents his answering 
you at present, only he bids me to acquaint you that 
He judges that no less than four Hundred Barrels 
of Powder will be necessary for the great Artillery 
which will consist of Six or eight Cannon of eigh- 
teen Pound Shot with two Mortars, besides what you 
will want for your small Arms : And further I am 
to inform you that it is concluded by the Govern- 
our of New York and Our Commissioners (who are 
now arrived from Albany) that the Troops should 
pass by Albany, and rendezvous at Saratogo and the 
Villages near it where is an English Fort garrisoned 

1 See the preceding letter. 



lo Correspondence of the 

with Ninety men, and the Place is quite clear of 
Infection 

I am Your Honour's most Obedient humble Ser- 
vant 

JOSIAH WiLLARD 

The Hon"^ Joseph Whipple Esqf 



ADMIRAL TOWNSEND ^ AND GOVERNOR KNOWLES "^ TO 
GOVERNOR SHIRLEY AND ADMIRAL WARREN.^ 

Pembroke in Louisbourg Harbour 
the ii'." Sep! 1746 

Gentlemen, 

By a Prize brought in here by his Majesty's Ship 
Kainsale the 6\'' Instant, we have receiv'd the follow- 
ing Intelligence. 

Antony Rodinguez Master of the La Judith from 
Rochell, bound to Quebec, says, that on the 22^ June 
N. S. he saild from Rochell in Company with 70 Sail 
of Ships,* Men of War and Transports, under the 
Command of the Duke D'Anville, with 8000 Troops 
on board, 14 Ships were of the Line, from 50 to 74 
Guns; that he left them on the 15'?' July in the Lati- 
tude of 44.54, and saw them again the 23^ in the 
Latitude of 41.22. He was taken by the Kinsale off 

1 Isaac Townsend, promoted vice-admiral in 1745. ^'^ ^'^X year he was sent with a 
considerable squadron to the West Indies, and early in 1746 to Louisbourg, and so to 
England. 

2 Admiral Sir Charles Knowles, appointed commodore in 1743, ^"'i stationed as 
second in command at Jamaica and the West Indies until 1745, when he returned to 
England, Early in 1746 he was sent out to Louisbourg as governor, and remained 
there for over two years, repairing and renewing the defences of the fortress. 

3 This letter was enclosed in Shirley's of September 22, 1746. 

4 Parkman gives two estimates, of sixty-five and sixty-six sail, respectively. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 1 1 

of Anticosta, the 25'!* Aug* O S, since which we 
have receiv'd further Accounts by a Pilot of a french 
Ship also bound to Quebec, who sail'd in the same 
Fleet, and was cast away upon the Isle of Sable ^ the 
3^ Inst! O. S. and brought in here by a Marblehead 
fishing Boat. This Frenchman says, he parted with 
the above Fleet, and the Duke D'Anville in a hard 
Gale of Wind, but 2 days before he was cast away, 
about 50 or 60 Leagues from the Isle of Sable, but 
cannot tell whither they are design'd, but this he 
knows they were very sickly, and had buried a great 
many Men. Here is also come in this day a Vessel 
from Marblehead, one Steven Master, who says, that 
on Sunday Night last, the 7*^ Instant, about 10 or 11 
a Clock, he fell in with 3 Sail of large Ships about 
40 Leagues to the Westward of a Place call'd Jedore,^ 
that soon after he was pass'd them he heard a Gun 
fired, and presently after that 3 more, which he says 
had the Report of very large Guns. Part of these 
Informations corroborating, we judged them of so 
much Consequence, to immediately dispatch them to 
you, and at the same time acquaint you, that Admiral 
Townsend has sent the Rye to look into all the Ports 
along the Coast of Accadie, and that so soon as ever 

1 Off the southern point of Nova Scotia, an extremely dangerous shoal coast, 
D'Anville's fleet, already weakened by heavy storms and demoralized by contagious 
disease, suffered greatly in the gale referred to. The commander made his way to 
Chibucto (Halifax), only to be disappointed in his hope of meeting reinforcements from 
the West India fleet. On September 27 he died — probably of apoplexy. His vice- 
admiral and successor, D'Estournel, committed suicide, in despair of retrieving the 
fortunes of the fleet. The third in command. La Jonquiere, attempted to make a 
demonstration against Annapolis in October, but again the diminished fleet suffered 
from storms, and in November he sailed for France. So many men perished from the 
pestilence that it was doubtful if enough would survive to take the remnant of the 
squadron across the Atlantic. 

2 Jeddore, on the southern coast of Nova Scotia, some forty miles east of Halifax. 



12 Correspondence of the 

she returns, you shall be sure of knowing what fur- 
ther Intelligence we gain. 

We are doing every thing that can contribute to 
the strength of this Place, and shall unite heartily in 
it's Defence, if the Enemy bend their Course this 
way; Should they visit you, You may depend upon 
our doing every thing in our Powers also to assist 
you. 

We are with great Regard Gentlemen, 
Your most Obedient Humble Servants 

j. townsend 
Cha? Knowles 

To his ExcT Gov!" Shirley and Admiral Warren. 
Examin'd per W Shirley 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

Boston Septem! 22? 1746. 
Sir, 

This comes to inform your Honour of the great 
Danger this Province is in of an Invasion from the 
French ; which you will collect from the inclosed 
Papers,^ as well as from the Declaration My Whipple 
gave me last week (to whom please to give my 
Thanks ;) By all which you will find the great Strenth 
of the Enemy both by Sea and Land ; And from the 
just Regard we trust your Governm* has to his Ma- 
jestys Interests and the common Cause, We desire 

1 See the following document. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 13 

and expect that you would have what Force you can 
spare, ready to march to our Assistance well armed 
and appointed upon the first Advice you may have of 
the Enemys Approach to us ; and that your Colony 
Sloop might forthwith be sent to cruize on our Coast 
for Discovery of the Enemy and giving us Intelli- 
gence/ And this we expect not only as a Duty 
your Government owe to his Majesty, but also from 
a Principle of Self Preservation ; for if this Province 
should fall into the Enemys Hand, the neighbouring 
Provinces will soon follow. 
I am Sir, 

Your most obedient Humble Servant 

W Shirley 

The HonK'f W¥ Green Esqf 



DEPOSITION OF RENE HET.^ 

New York 

Rene Het of the City of New York Merch! being 
duly sworn upon the holy Evangelists of Almighty 
God, deposeth, and saith, that in conversation with one 
Louis Simon, Capt? of a French prize lately taken, 
he had learnt that the French fleet under the Com- 
mand of the Marquis de Anvile was design 'd upon 

1 In response to this letter, the Assembly, on September 29, ordered additional 
works at Fort George, on Goat Island, and voted to send the Tartar to meet the Eng- 
lish fleet under Admiral Lestock. Furthermore, a draught of the new fortifications was 
ordered sent to Partridge, to facilitate his "best endeavours to procure the cannon" 
for which the colony had petitioned. Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 189, 190. 

2 Enclosed in letter of September 22, 1746, 



14 Correspondence of the 

an expedition against Newfoundland and Cape Bre- 
ton. That among that fleet were some Spanish 
ships, out of which all the Spaniards were sent away, 
and french officers and men put on board. That it 
consisted of Twenty six ships of war, and forty Trans- 
ports, on board of which were fifteen thousand land 
forces, and all sorts of implements of war for a seige. 
That all the french prisoners sent from Cape Breton 
particularly Morepang were embark'd on board that 
fleet. 

That Admiral Comflans^ at Petitquavous ^ some- 
time in July, three days before the said Simon left 
that place, receiv'd a packet from the Court of France 
with directions for him (the said Comflans) as soon 
as he had convoy 'd a fleet of Merchantmen to Cape 
Francois to proceed to a certain Latitude to open 
his further orders, and upon receipt of that packet 
M. Comflans took out of the Merchantmen all the 
Masters and Pylotes acquainted with North America, 
and gave others in their room, one of which was 
brought into New York with this prize, who conforms 
the same account.^ 

Rene Het 

Sworn the 15 Sept. 1746 
Before 

James Delancey * 

Dan Horsmanden * 

1 Conflans. 

2 Petit Gouave. Described in Salmon's Gazetteer {I'jkz) ■i.s " Petitquaves, a port- 
town of Hispaniola, situated on a bay at the west end of the island." 

8 Conflans was sent to the French West Indies with four men-of-war shortly before 
the departure of D'Anville's fleet for Nova Scotia. The two squadrons were to unite 
off Halifax, or Chibucto. Conflans arrived there early in September, cruised about for 
a while, and sailed for France a few days before D'Anville appeared. 

4 Member of the Council of New York. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 1 5 

GOVERNOR SHIRLEY AND ADMIRAL WARREN TO GOVERNOR 

GREENE.^ 

Boston Sept! 29*." 1746 
Sir 

As you will perceive by the inclos'd letters and 
intelligence which we transmit to you open,^ what 
Steps we have taken to apprize Admiral Lestock 
(who with a strong fleet may be daily expected upon 
the Coast of Nova Scotia, or Cape Breton) of the 
situation and Strength of the Enemys Naval force, 
seen the I6'^ Instant off the harbour of Chebucto, 
near Cape Samborough. — We have dispatch'd as 
many Vessells as we cou'd possibly get here to meet 
the Admiral, with this intelligence, And are of opin- 
ion you can't do your King and Country a greater 
peice of service, than by dispatching your Colony 
Sloop without a moments loss of time to Cruize for 
Admiral Lestock with this intelligence, 'till the 25*!* 
of October, unless she shall sooner meet with him.^ 
And as the English fleet will most probably make 
the Cape Sable Shore to the westward of the Isle 
of Sables, we are of opinion the inclos'd will be a 
proper order, and the Station mention'd therein most 
likely to meet the fleet, and therefore flatter ourselves 
you will approve of it. 

We have letters from Mr Mascareen Governour of 
Annapolis, dated the 21^' Instant, by which we find 
the Chester and Shirley Frigate were there and that 
he had heard of no French Ships being in the Bay 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 191. 

2 See the two following documents. 

8 See note to letter of September 22, X746. 



1 6 Correspondence of the 

of Fundy ; and we hope ere this the reinforcement 
of Troops sent by Governour Shirley are safe there/ 
We are with great regard Sir 

Y' Most Obedient humble Servants 

W Shirley. P Warren 

P. S We esteem it of the last consequence to the 
Colony that Adm! Lestock should be met with at 
Sea as in case he should be too weak to cope with 
the Enemy without the Assistance of Adm! Town- 
send, and be surprized, and overpowered by them, 
The Storm of their whole force would be immedi- 
ately directed towards New England, wherefore we 
hope we may depend absolutely upon your sending 
out your Colony Sloop with the inclosed Dispatches 
forwith 

The Hon^?^ William Green Esq' 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY AND ADMIRAL WARREN TO ADMIRAL 
LESTOCK.2 

Boston if} September 1746 
Sir 

The publick Prints from England giving us the 

pleasing hopes, that you with a strong Fleet of his 

Majesty's Ships and a number of Troops was to sail 

for these Seas about the begining of last Month 

from Spithead in quest of the French Fleet, of whose 

1 Shirley sent three companies of militia to Annapolis. 

2 Enclosed in letter of September 29, 1746. Lestock was to bring St. Clair's long- 
expected regiments to Louisbourg. As a matter of fact, they never started. See 
notes to letter of May 29, 1746. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 1 7 

motions, and designs we send you the inclosed De- 
positions, and several Pylotes for the Coast of Nova 
Scotia, and Louisbourg, one of which places we 
apprehend the Enemy intend to attack, and from 
their Situation when last seen off the Harbour of 
Chebucto near Cape Samborough, it seems most 
likely that the Reduction of the Garrison of Annap- 
olis is the first thing they have in View as by that 
means they will immediately add five or six Thou- 
sand Nova Scotians, fighting men, to any other Force 
they may have brought there from France, Canada, 
or elsewhere ; This will be the most politick part 
they can act, in order to their retaking Louisbourg, 
and annoying his Maj® American Dominions in gen- 
eral. If they aim at Annapolis, and do not venture 
up the Bay of Fundy, and into the Bason, it is most 
probable they will land their Cannon, and Troops at 
Chebucto a fine Harbour, which lyes very conven- 
ient for the Inhabitants of Menis,^ and those of the 
head of the Bay of Fundy, who will immediately joyn 
the Enemy upon so good a Prospect of taking our 
Garrison at Annapolis. Shoud your Landfall be to the 
Westw? of the Isle of Sables with very little loss of 
Time, you may see the Harbour of Chebucto, which 
tis thought is the Rendezvous of the Enemy's Fleet. 
Governour Shirley has sent out several Vessells to 
observe their Motions, and waits impatiently for their 
Return ; He has made all the necessary preparations 
to give them a reception that wont be very agreeable 
to them, if they should come this Way, and has sent 
a Reinforcement of Troops to Annapolis. 

1 Minas. 
VOL. II. 



1 8 Correspondence of the 

Mr Warren, previous to our knowledge of the 
French Fleet's being in these Seas, upon My Masca- 
reen's Representation that the Inhabitants of Menis 
had stoppd the Communication between that place, 
and Annapolis, which was a sufHcient Reason to 
him (My Mascareen) to apprehend some designs were 
forming against it, sent the Chester to give it Coun- 
tenance and Protection, and we hope, as the Shirley 
frigate is also there, together with the Reenforce- 
ment before mentioned, they will (if the French do 
not venture their Ships into the Bason of Annap- 
olis) be able to defend it against the Land Forces, 
'till your Arrival may relieve them. 

As My Warren has now no Ship to joyn you which 
he hopes, and expects to have orders to do he begs, 
if you meet this Vessell, that you may dispatch any 
small frigate to him for that purpose and he will, 
without a moments Loss of Time, wait upon you, 
where you shall please to direct ; He has wrote 
to Adm? Townsend for one, whom, with Governour 
Knowles, we have also apprized of the Enemys being 
in their Neighbourhood ; and by Letters from Louis- 
bourg of the 6*1" Ins! we learn that the following Ships 
were then in port, and we believe are still there, to 
wit the Kingston Pembroke, Canterbury, Norwich, 
Hampshire, Dover, Hinsale, Alborough, Rye, Hind, 
and Hinchinbrook ; The Vigilant and Torrington 
were gone to Newfoundland, to convoy the Trade 
from thence to Portugal, and England, but will not 
sail from thence we believe till the latter end of 
October 

We are in very little pain about Louisbourg, the 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 19 

Season being so far advanced that the Enemy cant 
keep the Field to beseige it regularly, nor can their 
Ships if superiour in force to ours there, keep the 
Seas much longer upon that Coast 

We have recommended to Mr Townsend, to send 
some of the small Cruizers to meet you with Pylotes, 
and hope this Vessell or some of the Admirals will 
be so fortunate, as we look upon it to be of the 
greatest Consequence to his Majesty's Service, that 
you shoud be apprized of the Enemys Situation, and 
have people that know the Coast, which is what in- 
duces us to give you this Trouble. 
We are with great Regard Sir 

Your most Obedient Humble Servants 

W Shirley. P Warren 

The Comet Bomb was seen twelve days ago ofF 
the Cape Sable Shore in her way to Louisbourg 
from Antigua.^ 

The Hon^'^ Adm! Lestock. 



LIST OF SHIPS. 2 

A List of Ships with the Duke D'Anville accord- 
ing to the Information of the French Prisoners 

Le Northumberland 70 

Le Mars 70 

Le Trydon 70 

L'Ardent 70 

1 One of the Leeward Islands, in the group known as the Lesser Antilles. 

2 Enclosed with letter of September 29, 1746. 



20 Correspondence of the 

Le Leapard 70 

La Bone 64 

Le Mercure 64 

L'Argonaute 60 

Le Tigre 54 

Le Carebou 54 

Le Perfect 00 

Le Prince d'Orange 40 

La Giconde 40 

Le Renome 36 

Le Bristoll 30 

Two Fire Ships 50 f we conceive 

I Men is meant 
Five or six other Ships of the Line from Toulon 
whose names they know not 

Copy examined 

W Shirley 



THE COUNCIL OF NEW YORK TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

Council Chamber: New York October the 1°.' 1746 
ST. 

Upon Receiving the Account of a French Fleet 
having been Seen on the Coast of Nova Scotia, We 
immediately Caused all the Papers, in possession of 
the French prisoners in this City, to be Seized, And 
in the Pocket of one of the Prisoners were found, two 
papers. Containing a List of the Duke D'Anvelle's 
Fleet, A Copy whereof We now inclose : * And by His 

1 These documents are not in the archives. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 2 1 

Journal We Conjecture, that the Vessell he belonged 
to, which was lately brought in here, parted from the 
Fleet about the (f^ of July last (We Suppose their 
Stile) Lat. 45. 40, Long 6° 20, that being the last 
Time the Fleet is mentioned in the Journal. 
We are Sir 

Your Honor's most humble Servants 
James De Lancey 
Dan : Horsmanden 
Jos: Murray 
John Moore 
Stephen Bayard 

The Hon^?^ [William] Green Esq' 
Govr of Rhode Island 



INSTRUCTIONS TO CAPTAIN DANIEL FONES/ 

Whereas Admiral Lestock with a Fleet of the 
Kings Ships, And A Number of Transports from 
England, are Dayly Expected upon the Coast of 
Nova Scotia, or Cape Breton, and as it will be of the 
Greatest Consequence that he Should be Apprized 
of the Enemies Situation of[f] Cape Sambrough, or 
the Harbour of Chebucto which he will probably 
Make, You are hereby Required, and Directed, to 
proceed with the packit You herewith Receive from 
Governour Shirley, and Adm^ Warren, directed for 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 192, for letter of Greene to Shirley and Warren on the 
attitude of Rhode Island in this emergency. 



22 Correspondence of the 

Admiral Lestock &c^ And Cruise for him from Ten 
Leagues to the westward of the Isle of Sables, to, 
within five or Six Leagues of, Cape Sables, or Cape 
Negro, on the Southside of Nova Scotia, takeing 
Care to Give Cape Samborough a Good birth Least 
You Should fall in with the French fleet. Upon 
Seeing what You Apprehend the English Fleet, You 
are to Hoist Your Jack, or ensign, at Your Mast 
head, And the admiral if he Shall have Met with any 
of our Expresses will Answer by hoisting a Dutch 
one at his fore top Gallant Mast head, but if he has 
not he will probably hoist a Dutch Jack at his Main 
topmast head, and a Spanish one at his fore, either 
of which You may Trust with proper Caution ; You 
are to Continue Cruizing on the above Station, till 
the 25*^ of October, Unless You Shall Sooner Meet 
the admiral, or hear of his arrival at Louisbourg, 
whose Directions upon Meeting him. You are to 
follow, otherwise after the 25*!' of October You are to 
Make the best of Your way to this port. And as 
Several Vessels are Dispatched upon this Service 
You will Know any You may Meet with by hoisting 
Your Ensign, or Jack at Your Mast head, which will 
be Answered by the Same Signal. In Case of Your 
being Taken by The enemy, You are to Distroy the 
packit, and this order, and by No Means Suffer 
them to fall into the enemies hands, as it would be 
of Very ill Consiquence, You are to show the packit 
and This to Any of the Captains of his Majesties 
Ships You may meet with, who will act upon them, 
as they Shall Judge best for his Majesties Service 
You are by all Vessells You Meet with bound to 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 23 

Any part of the Contenant, to Send us what Intelli- 
gence, you shall be Able to procure During your 
Cruise for which this shall be Your warrant 

Given Under my hand this 3^ day of October a d 
1746 

To Cap* Dan^.^ Fones 

Commander of the Rhode Island Colony Sloop 
Tartar 

The above written is i Copy of my Instructions, 
which I promise to follow witness my hand 

Daniel Fones 



GOVERNOR GREENE TO RICHARD PARTRIDGE. 

Newport Rhode Island octob' ii'? 1746. 
J/r Richard Partridge 

the Danger this Government is Exposed to in 
time of war, from its Situation and at this Juncture 
in perticular, when it is highly probable that a Large 
French Fleet in north America has Rendered the 
Inhabitants of this Government Very Uneasy, at the 
Defenceless State of the Colony, And Since my Last 
to You has put them upon Raising Some additional 
Works to fort George (a Draught whereof is here- 
with Transmitted by which it will appear that if the 
Government was Supplyed with Cannon and other 
warlike Stores the town of Newport which is the 
Barrier and Security of the other parts of the Colony 



24 Correspondence of the 

(and may prove to the Neighbouring Governments) 
wou*^ be Rendered Saif against any ordinary fource 
as the Government have Perfected these fortifications 
for the Defence of the Town of Newport, the Cheiff 
Town and port in the Government, it is Conceived 
His Majesty would Speedily upon proper Represen- 
tations being Made furnish the Government with 
Cannon and Such other Necessaries of war as woud 
Make these works Usefull for the Defence of the 
place the Reduction whereof by the enemy woud 
Greatly weekeon his Majestys Plantations In north 
America, And be of Very bad Consiquence to the 
Neighbouring Colonies, at present not as much ex- 
posed, and as the Government have already Petitioned 
his Majesty for Cannon for this Colony for their 
Defence the General Assembly have Requested me 
to write to You And Give Directions to persue that 
prayer with the Utmost earnestness,^ laying the 
present Circomstance of the Colony before his Ma- 
jesty, And to Use your best Endeavour^ to procure 
what Cannon and Stores is already Petitioned for 
at Least and more if to be Come at, and Send them 
as Soon as possable, that this Governm* May not for 
another Season be Exposed to the Like Danger it 
has the Summer past, I Doubt not of Your Care and 
Application in this Important point And wish and 
Hope for Your good Success And Am S' 
Your Humble Servant 

W^ Greene 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 189, 190. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 25 

RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 8^" 14. 1746 
Gov^. Green, 

I wrote thee of 23. 6 month last about the Affairs 
of the Colony to which I refer, this now comes to 
acknowledge the rec! of thine dated i^.' Aug^'^ with 
the plan of your Fortification and Letter to the 
Lords Committee about it both which I yesterday 
carried and deliverd to the Clerk of the Council 
against the next Committee when I intend to pursue 
it in order to obtain what is desired and expect to 
be able hereafter to give a good acco* of it. 

I hope the Royal Order for Establishing the 
Boundarys will get to hand long before this Letter ; 
I having sent it Some time since per Cap' Adams via 
Boston and also an Authentick duplicate per Cap' 
Power or Cap' Hoar from Spithead and am glad our 
Success therein is so pleasing and acceptable to the 
Colony. 

I writt the Substance of that part of thy Letter 
(relating to the raising of Forces in the Colony on 
the new intended Expedition) to the Clerk of the 
Council and also to a Gentleman of the Duke of 
New Castles Office (as also of another Affair) a Copy 
of my Letter I send thee inclosed ^ and have been 
with the said Gentleman afterwards who told me the 
Pardon (that is for Allcock) was making out and 
when I have got it shall send it over as also a Copy 
of it in due time 

And I have also rec^ thy Paper of Authority 

1 See p. I. 2 See the following documents 



26 Correspondence of the 

empowring me to receive the money on acco* of the 
Expedition against Cape Breton which I think is full 
and Sufficient, nothing is likely to be done towards 
payment till after the Parliament meets which is 
apointed the iS*** of next month. 

I am with due respects to thy self and Gentlemen 
of the Council, 

Thy assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

To William Green EsqT 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations New Engl*^ 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO WILLIAM SHARPE.^ 

gber J 2'" 1746. 
Clerk of the Council^ 
Fr W"" Sharp, 

I have now rec"^ from the Governour of Rhode 
Island a Plan or Pofile of their Fortification for the 
Lords Committee of Council in persuance of their 
Order of 5'!" feb7 1 744. there is one Plan of the Fort 
as it now is, and an other as thou willt See of the 
Same again only with some alteration proposed, and 
here is also our Gov? Letter with it to the said Lords 
Committee all which please to lay before them at 
their next Sitting. 

And now I woud just take this opportunity to let 

1 Enclosed with preceding letter. 

2 The letter is a copy, and this phrase is evidently inserted as an explanation of 
Sharpe's official position. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 27 

thee know how Loyal and ready the said Colony 
have been in pursuing the Orders lately sent them 
from the Duke of New Castle about the Expedition 
intended against Canada, the Gov^ writes me ^ in the 
following Words viz' 

" I rec^ his Majestys Instructions from his Grace' 
" the Duke of New Castle Relating [to] the Expedi- 
" tion against Canada the 28*!" of May last and imme- 
"diately Called the General Assembly who Unani- 
" mously Concluded to raise three hundred Soldiers 
" as Land Forces and to send our Guard Sloop with 
" one hundred Seamen ; and orderd a Bounty of 
" fifty Pounds to each Soldier that should enlist in 
" his Majestys Service for their Encouragement be- 
" sides Cloathing, beding, Tents &c^ by which means 
" wee Soon had the most part of that Number en- 
" listed, And they are now ready to Embark as soon 
" as his Majestys Forces arrives ; our Small Govern- 
" ment have got their Men much Sooner then the 
" Massachusetts and a greater proportion. I am 

Thy Friend 

R^ Partridge 

to the Clerk of the Council. 



RICHARD PARTRmCE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 8^"3I'.' 1746 
Governour Green 

In mine of the 14'!* Inst. I acknowledged the receipt 

of thy Letter dat^ the i'.' of Aug! last with the Plan 

1 See letter of August i, 1746. 



28 Correspondence of the 

of yof Fortifica" and the Letter with it for the Lords 
committee/ w'^'' I had properly exhibited at the Coun- 
cil Office against their next Meeting which yet has 
not happened, and I shall take the further necessary 
Steps therein. I have also thy Writing empowring 
me to receive the Money on acco* of the Exped" ag^' 
Cape Breton w*'^ I think is Sufficient for that purpose, 
but nothing is likely to be done as to paym* till the 
Parliam* meets w*'*' is appointed the i8 of next month, 
and even then its very probable it will be some con- 
siderable time before it be brought about, perhaps a 
Twelve month, tho' in the mean time I intend nothing 
shall be wanting on my part. 

I did on the 22*^ Inst send the Colonys acco* to 
the Speaker of yo^ House of Representa^ the Sum 
for Ball thereon being ;!^672:2:io Sterl in my 
favour, besides the Charges on the Solicita" in the 
Cape Breton Affair not yet bro* to acco* ; and in- 
closed I send thee a Copy of my S^ Acco* And at 
the same time I drew on your Treasurer for ^200 : 
Sterl payable to Andrew Oliver Esql" and Phillips 
on the Colonys acco* besides the ^300- Sterl w*"^ I 
drew the 23 6 month ^ payable to the same, both 
w"^*" Bills I doubt not will meet w^^ due honour for 
my Encouragement to transact their Affairs w**" 
chearfulness, and for my Credit sake also, for busi- 
ness cannot be car'^ on here without proper Supplys, 
it being much more reasonable and convenient that 
a whole Body of People sho^ advance Money for car- 
rying on their Business than that the Burden shoud 
lay on one Man, and I intend to serve them faith- 

1 See Greene's letter of that date. 2 August 23, 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 29 

fully to the best of my ability as I have hitherto 
done.^ 

As for publick News the Conferences abo* a Peace 
by the Ambassad'^ at Breda likely to break up with- 
out any Effect^ — the King of Sardinia together 
with the Austrian Forces on the side of Italy are 
penetrating into Provence in France which putts the 
French Inhab'.' into great consternation there. 

Admiral Lestock and Gen^ S! Clear with our Fleet 
that were designd for Canada Expedition are re- 
turnd from the Coast of France after having made 
some Spoils on the Enemy on the Coast of Bretany 
but not answerable to what might have been expected, 
a pretty many of the French Men of War of the 
Brest Fleet destined ag'.' Cape Breton having Met 
with a violent Storm about the Isle of Sables, abun- 
dance of their Men Sickly and diverse dead are re- 
turnd home to France Two of w''^' viz the Mars and 
the Ardent 60. or 64 Gun Ships the first taken by 
the Nottingham Man of War and brought into Ply- 
mouth, the other has been drove aShore by some of 
our Ships of War and burned on the French Coast.^ 

Our B B^* and Leward Island homeward bound 
Fleet of about sixty Saile under Convoy of Two 50. 
Gun Men of War met with 3 French Men of War 
about 200. leag^ W. of the Lands end between which 
there was an Engagem' whilest the Merch* Men got 



1 In the October session of 1747 the governor is directed to ask for a statement of 
Partridge's accounts during the time he has been in the colony's service. Col. Rec. 
of R. /., v. 226. 

2 In September, 1 746, a congress opened at Breda, where the plenipotentiaries of 
the Emperor, Great Britain, France, and Holland were assembled. 

3 See note on p. 11. * Bahamas. 



30 Correspondence of the 

off, and they say are mostly arrived safe at Plymouth 
Portsm° and other Ports.^ 

They now talk again of some Alterations in the 
Ministry, w'^*' time must discover but this is certain 
that L^ Harrington one of the Secretarys of State 
has resigned and Lf Chesterfield put in his Room. 

As to the matter of the Naval Officer of your Col- 
ony, that remains as it did, the Petition w'='' I had the 
precaution to throw in here in time as a Bar before 
I heard from the Colony about it against Lockmans 
patent for it has never yet been controverted and 
I beleive never will, so that Priviledge I apprehend 
is intirely preserved. I am with due respects 

Thy assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

I send thee a pack* with prints per this Ship to be 
forwarded by my Fr'^.' Oliver and Phillips 

To William Green Esq! 

Govern"' of Rhode Island and Providence Plan- 
tations. 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR GREENE.^ 

Boston Nov! 4'." 1746 
Sir 

I have now the Pleasure of informing your Honour, 
of the French Fleet's quitting the Coast of Nova 

1 This encounter took place on December 15, 1745, off Cape Nicolas. There was 
much criticism of the commodore, but the verdict of a court-martial justified his 
course of action. 

2 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 203. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 31 

Scotia, and going off to the West Indies and the 
Canadeans breaking up their Camp before the Garri- 
son at Annapolis Royal ; But notwithstanding this 
as Service of the greatest Importance remains yet to 
be done in Nova Scotia viz. taking or destroying all 
the Enemy's Magazines of Warlike Stores and Pro- 
visions at Minas and Chicknecto/ taking all the grain 
in the Country (except w? is wanted by the Inhabit- 
ants for their present use), for his Majesty's Service 
and the same with respect to their Cattle, by w*"?" 
means all the Inhabitants and Indians might be dis- 
arm'd, and the latter together with the Canadeans (in 
Case they should return next Spring) be without 
Subsistance from the Country ; driving off the Cana- 
deans design'd to winter in Minas or Chicknecto, 
and distressing the Indians there, among whom a 
very bad sickness prevails w''.'' has already swept off 
hundreds of 'em, visiting Chebucto and seeing what 
Foot-steps the French have left there, calling the 
Malecontents, who are the most obnoxious, among 
the French Inhabitants, to an Ace! for their joining 
an open Correspondence with the Enemy, and de- 
stroying the Settlements of such of 'em as shall ab- 
scond ; and perhaps recovering some of the Prize 
Vessells and Goods taken from the English ; by all 
w* means the Canadeans wou'd be discourag'd from 
renewing their Attempts next Spring, the Friends to 



1 Chignecto, or Beaubassin, an Acadian settlement at the head of Chignecto 
Bay, the western of the two arms formed by the Bay of Fundy, and the narrowest 
point of the neck of the peninsula of Acadia, or Nova Scotia. On the disappearance 
of D'Anville's fleet, Ramesay, the Governor of Montreal, who had advanced to support 
the attack on Annapolis, fell back on Chignecto with about 1600 French and Indians, 
and built a fort at Baye Verte, on the opposite side of the neck. 



32 Correspondence of the 

his Majesty's Government in that Province confirm'd 
in their Fidehty, the Abettors of the French Interest 
diminish'd and deterr'd from open or even secret 
Acts of HostiHty, and the Indians very much har- 
rass'd and disabled from giveing the Enemy the usual 
Assistance so that if the Canadeans shou'd repeat 
their visit in the Spring they wou'd not be able to 
make any progress in the Country to the disadvan- 
tage of the Garrison : I say as all these Services, w".^ 
have so plain a Tendency to settle the lasting Secu- 
rity of the Province, remain yet to be done and this 
fall is the only opportunity for doing it, and I am In- 
form'd by Persons well acquainted with the Seasons 
in Nova Scotia, that the winter is not yet too far ad- 
vanc'd for doing this with a probable prospect of the 
men's returning afterwards this winter, I have deter- 
min'd to send the Reinforcement of five Companies, 
w*".^ I propos'd before my receiving the last advices, 
some of w''.'' are already sail'd, and others go to day 
and the rest in two days at farthest ; and I hope 
your Honour, if your three Companies are not al- 
ready sail'd, will order 'em to proceed forthwith.* 
If our Endeavours are attended with Success at this 
critical Conjuncture, as I hope they will, it will be 
a most beneficial Service for his Majesty and the 
Colonies, 

I am in haste the Post waiting 

Your Honour's most Obed' Humble Servant. 

W Shirley. 



1 The Rhode Island troops were ordered to Annapolis Royal, in October, Col. Rec. 
of R. /., V. 193, and sailed immediately upon the receipt of this letter; see the follow- 
ing document. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 33 

DEPUTY-GOVERNOR WHIPPLE TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY. 

Your ExceK^ Favour of the 4'.^ instant ^ came Safe 
with the Agreeable News of the French Fleet leav- 
ing the Coast, and the Canadians raising the Siege 
of Annapolis, and in the Absence of Governour 
Greene, It falls to my Province to let Your Excel7 
know That agreeable to a Representation made by 
You and the Hon^!' Admiral Warren for our Men to 
be sent to Annapolis, the General Assembly imedi- 
ately ordered the Same to be done, and I can now 
inform You That on Tuesday last our Three Com- 
panies sailed in the Three Transports under Convoy 
of our Colony Sloop for Annapolis with all the Able 
and healthy Men belonging to said Companies (being 
Somewhat reduced by Several that have dyed and 
others that are now Sick) and hope they may be 
Instrumental by assisting the other Forces to per- 
form the necessary Operations for distressing the 
Enemy, and prevent their making any further At- 
tempts on the aforesaid Place, and for the Preserva- 
tion of Nova Scotia. Your Excels will always find 
this Government ready and willing to exert Them- 
selves to the Utmost for his Majesty's Service and 
Interest. I am wuth due Respect 

Your ExceK^ most obedient humble Serv* 

J. W 

Newport 6"" Nov, 1746. 

To his Excel*^?' W¥ Shirley Esq 

1 See the preceding letter. 
VOL. II. 



34 Correspondence of the 

GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR GREENE.* 

Boston Jan? 5. 174^. 
Sir, 

This will be delivered you by Lieuten! Wilkinson 
from whom as well as by a letter from Col Kinne- 
cutt I am sorry to learn that the Levies of your Gov- 
ernm* are at length by a Train of Cross Accidents 
and disasters prevented from going upon his Maj^.'^ 
service to Annapolis Royal, for w''^ both your Gov- 
ernmf and the Troops have shown so ready a Dis- 
position : ^ I can't say but that I think after having 
been so greatly weaken'd and reduc'd by sickness, 
and deaths as I understand the three Companies are, 
that your Officers Judged right in not venturing 'em 
upon a Passage to Annapolis in so extreme, and 
Wintry a season as the present has prov'd ; since in 
all probability it would have destroy'd many of the 
Soldiers, and the few, that had survived it, might 
have been rather a Burthen than of service to the 
Garrison : I heartily wish those of 'em, w*"?* are sail'd 
for Newport, a safe Arrival there, and that the sick 
among them, and those left at Martha's Vineyard 
may recover. 

My Wilkinson informs me that some deserters from 
your Levies are suspected to be conceal'd in this 
Governmt: If there is any possibility of getting at 
'em, I will take care they shall be secur'd for you, 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 206. 

2 Some of the Rhode Island transports were cast away off Mt. Desert, and more 
than one half the men lost by drowning and exposure. Many of the remainder were 
useless through sickness. Some were left at Martha's Vineyard, others went to Bos- 
ton and were sent home by Shirley. Arnold, History of Rhode Island, II. 156. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 35 

upon my being apprized where any of 'em may be 
apprehended. 

I took the first Opportunity of laying before the 
Assembly of this Province the Copy of his Maj^^ 
Order in Council for settling the Boundary line be- 
tween the province and Colony together with the 
Act of your Governm' appointing Commissioners to 
join with those of this Gov! in running and marking 
the line accordingly, and of recommending to 'em 
forthwith to choose Commissioners for this purpose, 
w'^.^ I hope they will readily do. When it is done, I 
shall transmit you the first notice of it, that I can.^ 

I am with due regard. Sir, 
Your Honour's Obedient, Humble servant 

W Shirley. 

P. S. I hope that 800 of the Massachusetts levies 
are all long before this safely arriv'd at Annapolis,^ 
w*^ a great Quantity of snow shoes ; as also the two 
New Hampshire Companies : and that they may be 
a force sufficient for the purposes of his Majesty's 
service there. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 12'? month or Febr 12'!' 174^. 

To the Governor of Rhode Island 

My last to thee was of the 1 3*^ S'^f last ^ to which 
I referr, Since which I have reef thine relating to the 

1 See note to letter of May 31, 1746. 

2 Parkman says that only 470 Massachusetts men, under Colonel Noble, finally 
reached Annapolis. A Half Century of Conflict^ II. 199. 

8 Not in the archives. 



36 Correspondence of the 

Stores of II*^ 8^"^ with a Smal Plan for the Colony, 
the other Plan and letter to the Lords Committee of 
Council has layn at the Council OfHce Sometime 
and have prest the Matter there very urgently that 
it might come under their Considerate and have also 
been personally with the Duke of Dorset the Lord 
President but cannot as Yet get it forward so fast as 
I would, but shall still pursue it and do what I can 
in the Matter till it be accomplished which I hope 
for and am very desirous of Accomplishing. As for 
the Cape Breton affair at length the Report of the 
Lords Committee to the King in Council (which I 
heretofore writ off) has been Confirmed and who 
hath by an Order referred the Accounts to the Lords 
of Trade and the Secretary of War where it is likely 
to meet with Some Difficultys as well as Expence 
for them to examine and liquidate in Order that it 
may be brought into Parliam! (as thou may'st See by 
a Copy of the said Order herewith sent^) but whether 
we shall be able to get it through time enough this 
Sessions is uncertain ; I shall use my best Endea- 
vours with the others concern'd and get the Matter 
accommodated as soon as Possible ; In Justice to 
W? Bollan Esq' Gov^ Shirleys Son in Law^ I must 
Say that I think he has been indefatigable in his 
Attendance and Solicitations therein to bring it thus 
forward as it is, for without the Massach*f had Pre- 
ceded I find we should have made little of it. 

As for News theres no Prospect of Peace yet, the' 



1 See above, p. 23. 2 See the following document. 

3 Bollan was sent out by Massachusetts to urge the claims of the colony to be reim- 
bursed for the expenses of the Cape Breton expedition. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 37 

the Congress at Breda is not quite Over ; A Fleet of 
Men of War they say is fitting out at Brest again, 
but whether bound is a Secret and doubtless our 
Ministry will early have a Fleet also ready and be on 
the Watch. I am &c 

R P 

The fees &c^ at the Council Office of this Order 
of Referrence comes to £\o. 



At the Court at ST James's ^ 

the I5*^ day of January 1746. 

Present 

THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY IN COUNCIL 

Whereas there was this day read at the Board a 
Report made by the Lords Committee of the Coun- 
cil upon considering the Petition of Richard Par- 
tridge Agent for the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations in New England praying to 
be reimbursed the Expences they have been at in 
assisting to take and Secure the Island of Cape Bre- 
ton and its Dependences, By which Report it is pro- 
posed in Consideration of the good Services per- 
formed by the said Colony in the Reduction of that 
Place to his Majesty's Obedience That a Reasonable 
Satisfaction should be made to them for their Ex- 
pences therein, — And the said Lords of the Com- 
mittee therefore submitted it to his Majesty whether 

1 Enclosed with preceding letter. 



38 Correspondence of the 

it might not be advisable to recommend it to Parlia- 
ment to make Provision for the same, And in the 
mean time to refer the said Demand to such Persons 
as his Majesty shoud think proper in order to adjust 
and Liquidate the same. 

His Majesty taking the said Report into Consider"? 
is hereby pleased with the advice of his Privy Coun- 
cil to approve of what is above proposed, and to order 
that the said Petition and Papers annexed be referrd 
to the Lords Com? for Trade and Planta" and his 
Majestys Sec""^ of War who are to meet and examine 
into the Demand made by the said Colony upon this 
Affair and to adjust and liquidate the Same. 

W^ Sharpe 



RICHARD PARTRmCE TO THE GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND. 

London 12 month or feb7 24'!' 174^ 

To the Governor of Rhode Island &cf^. 

I have already wrote thee per Cap' Kilby and 
Cap* Brown via Boston to which I refer; And now 
I apprehend it further my Duty to acquaint thee 
respecting the Expence your Colony have been at 
in raising and Subsisting 300 Men pursuant to the 
Duke of New Castles Letter of the 9'^ Apr? 1746.^ 
If a just Acco* was made out thereof properly sworn 
to and Authenticated by thyself under the Seal of 
the Colony with Copy of the Dukes said Letter an- 
nexed Authorizing me as yor Agent to receive the 
money it might be effected, and together with 2 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 162. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 39 

Bills of Exch^ drawn in equal halves by thyself on 
the Lords Comiss? of the Treasury for the amount 
of the whole in Sterl money reduced according to 
Exch^ it would be very proper and Material for me 
to present in order for Payment, agreeable to what 
Govy Clinton of N : York has lately done ; a form of 
a Copy of one of his Bills of Exch^ drawn on them 
have obtained and Send thee herewith/ but its prob- 
able that Some variation in those for Rhode Island 
must be made especially towards the latter end as 
thou willt observe. I hear there are about ^19000. 
Sterl. of his Bills lately come over hither w^^ tho' 
the meet w'.*" some hesitation yet its thought in time 
they will certainly be paid, but then I dont know but 
they will expect vouchers annexed also to the Acco 
as Govy Clinton has mentioned them in his Bills, 
there must also be a letter of advice writ to the 
Lords of the Treasury properly Directed and Sent 
me to deliver. If there shoud be any demur w*.*" the 
Sec'?' of War and Board of Trade about our Acco'f 
for the Cape Breton Expedition to whom they are 
referr'd by the King to be examined I expect it will 
be for want of the necessa"^ Vouchers of the sev- 
eral Articles in the acco* notwithstanding Jn° Gard- 
ner has attested them, Wherefore if the Bills of 
Parcells w'!* the Rec'? thereon for Such of the Arti- 
cles in the Acco* as are material and other Receipts 
were duely Attested and Authenticated under the 
Seal and sent me it wo"? I beleive make it much 
more likely and easy to pass through, and duplicates 
and Authentick Copys shoud also be sent for fear of 

1 See the following document. 



40 Corresponde7ice of the 

miscarriage, — this I write in time least they should 
be wanted : It certainly is worth while to take pains 
about it^ I am Thy Assured Friend 

R? Partridge 

26'." 
Since the above I have been informed the Lords of 
Trade are likely to Spin out the time before the acco** 
relating to Cape Breton are passed do all we can ; 
that there will not be time to get into Parliament 
with them this Sessions, yet I dont much Doubt 
but it will be done ag^* the Parliam* meets again 

To The Govern' and Company of the Colony of 
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 

[Enclosure.] 

New York i'.' Novemb! 1746 
Exch? for £ stel? 

My Lords 

Pursuant to his Grace Duke of New Castles Letter to me of 
the 9*? Apr? last to make use of proper Measures to engage the 
five Nations of Indians to take part in an Expedition orderd by 
his Majesty for the Reduction of Canada to make them Such 
Presents as I think may be of Use for that Purpose, His Grace 
has also among other things recomended it to me to raise a large 
Body of Men within my Governm* as the Shortness of Time will 
permitt and as Clothing, Arms, Amunition, Tents, Camp neces- 
sarys and Battoes will be wanting on the part of this Province 
when the troops raised therein are to be transported into the 
Southen part of Canada likewise Battoes for the Use of some 
of the Neighbouring Provinces orderd upon this Service ; Youll 
be Pleased on thirty days sight of this my Second of Exch* 



1 An order of the Assembly to send the required vouchers is in Col. Rec. of R. I., 
V. 218. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 41 

my first third and fourth of the same tenor and date not paid, 
to pay to on Order Pounds Sterl. 

Value rec? of upon Acco* of providing the above- 

mentioned Materials and also other Materials which will be abso- 
lutely wanting in the Course of the said Service, and for which 
the Gener} Assembly of this Province refused to advance any 
Sums on the Credit of the Crown for which Sum proper Vouchers 
shall be produced. I am with very great Respects My Lords 
Your LordsShips most Obedient Humble Servt 

G Clinton 

To The Right Honourable the Lords Commiss" of the Treasury 
or to whom the Payment of this Bill may Concern. 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

Boston March 4'." 1 74^. 

Sir^ 

Not long since I represented to your Honour the 
State of Affairs in Nova Scotia,^ and the great Im- 
portance of preserving that Province from falling 
into the Hands of the Enemy, and earnestly re- 
quested you to send some of the King's Troops in 
your Colony to act in Conjunction with those I 
sent from hence for that Service ; And I am now 
to inform you of the Disaster^ which has befallen 

1 See letters from Shirley, of February 7 and 9, urging that the Rhode Island troops 
be sent to Crown Point, and then that they be sent to Annapolis Royal. Col. Rec. 
of R. /., v. 2og, 210. Also Greene's answer, dated February 20, stating that the 
Assembly do not approve either suggestion. Ibid., V. 211. 

2 The New England troops under Colonel Noble had, after an arduous journey by 
sea and by land, established themselves (December, 1746) in Grand Pre, the principal 
village of the Minas Basin. The French commander, Ramesay, fell back to Chignecto, 
on the neck of the peninsula. From this post he sent out a surprise party who 
attacked the troops at Grand Pr6, killed the commanding officer, and besieged three 
hundred and fifty men in the village stone house. After a day or two the garrison 
surrendered on parole. Mascarene wrote Shirley that seventy English were killed and 
over sixty captured. The French claimed one hundred and thirty killed and sixty-five 
wounded and prisoners. 



42 Correspondence of the 

the Forces sent from this Province for driving the 
Enemy out of Nova Scotia, which tho I would attrib- 
ute in part to some Neglect of Duty in the Officers 
in not keeping a good Watch to prevent a Surprize 
yet I must be of Opinion that the principal Cause 
of this Misfortune is, that the neighbouring Gov- 
ernml^ have not afforded us due Assistance against 
the Enemy in this important Enterprize. The par- 
ticular Circumstances of this Misfortune you will 
understand by the inclosed Papers ^ and Print, which 
contains authentick Accounts, that I shall not take 
up in repeating here ; Our Business being now to 
look forward and do every thing in our Power to 
strengthen our Forces in Nova Scotia, by making 
them an Overmatch for the Enemy ; And as My Mas- 
carene apprehends it necessary to make up the Num- 
ber twelve or fifteen hundred, I am fully of Opinion 
with him that less than twelve hundred will not be 
sufficient, but that it will be more convenient to make 
up the Number to fifteen hundred ; which, with the 
arm'd Vessels belonging to the several Colonies in 
New England, would I hope (by the Blessing of God) 
make the Conquest easy and expeditious, and dis- 
courage the Enemy from any future Attempts : The 
absolute Necessity of making such a vigorous At- 
tempt for driving the Enemy out of that Province,^ 
and the vast Interest which all the Colonies in New 
England, as well as the Crown of Great Britain have 
in this Event, must I think be obvious to every 
thinking Man that has the least Affection and Zeal 
for the common Cause of his Country ; And it is no 

1 See the following document. 2 Nova Scotia. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 43 

less evident that the present Season is the very criti- 
cal Conjuncture for the effectual Execution of this 
design, which if once lost may never be retreived ; 
and so the Neglect of improving it be attended with 
such Calamities and Disasters as will not be fully 
understood 'till they are felt : This being the Case, 
I must press your Honour in the strongest manner 
to make up as large a Body of Troops as you can, 
and send them well appointed with all possible Ex- 
pedition, with your Colony Vessel of War, for this 
Service. There are now three hundred Men remain- 
ing at Annapolis for this Service, allowing for a hun- 
dred and fifty Men of the Garrison, who can be 
spared while our Men, who are restrained by Capitu- 
lation from acting against the Enemy up the Bay,^ 
may keep Garrison in their room ; Besides which 
three hundred Men I have three hundred more ready 
to send, provided the several Governm'.^ in New Eng- 
land will do their parts to make up a Body of twelve 
hundred Men, or if they will make it up fifteen hun- 
dred Troops, I shall much more chearfully bear my 
Part of that Number. I am aware that some may 
object against this Proceeding, that the Troops may 
be call'd for on the Expedition against Canada be- 
fore they can return from Nova Scotia ; But as it is 
not probable that that will be the Case, especially 
if we be expeditious in this Business, so they will 
be in as great or greater readiness to proceed from 
Annapolis Royal than from their respective Colo- 
nies, be better secur'd from Desertions, and be more 

1 The terms of surrender were that the English at Grand Pre should not bear arms 
within the next six months in the district about the head of the Bay of Fundy. 



44 Corresp07idence of the 

inur'd to the Hardships and DiscipHne of War, and 
consequently the more fit for Service than they will 
be if they stay at home. I hope the Expence of Pro- 
visions and Transports will be no Obstacle to your 
sending a Reinforcem! to Nova Scotia upon this 
extraordinary Emergency ; if your Assembly should 
refuse to bear that, which I hope they will not, I am 
perswaded your Honour may in such Case safely 
take up Provisions and Transports at the Charge of 
the Crown upon this particular Occasion, and that 
your Honours Bills of Exchange upon the Lords of 
the Treasury in favour of such Persons as shall ad- 
vance a Sum in Bills of Credit for this Service, will 
be duly paid. And as an Inducem* to the Men to go 
more chearfully upon this Duty, I am determin'd to 
advance sixteen Pounds old Tenour to every Man 
whom I shall send upon it, and to draw Bills of Ex- 
change upon the Lords of Treasury ; And as for the 
Officers who shall proceed in it, I doubt not but they 
will greatly recommend themselves to his Majesty 
thereby. 

From the Disposition your Honour shew'd to as- 
sist in the Protection of Nova Scotia the last Fall,^ 
tho' it happen'd to fail of it's intended Effect, I doubt 
not but you will now exert yourself with the utmost 
Vigour in this Part of his Majesty's Service, and for 
the general Good of the Colonies. 

You must be sensible, Sir, what immediate Dis- 
patch this Business requires, and that not an Hour's 
time should be lost for effecting it ; I purpose to 
have the Reinforcement w'i'' I shall send from this 

1 See letter of November 4, 1746, and note. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 45 

Province at Annapolis by the End of this Month at 
farthest (if possible) to be ready there to proceed to 
Minas or Schiegnecto, as the Case shall require, be- 
fore My De Ramsay's Vessels can get away from 
thence, and I must desire the favour of your Answer 
by the Bearer/ 

I am Sir, 
Your Honour's most Obedient humble Servant 

W Shirley. 

P. S. Tho' I have very lately receiv'd an Answer 
from your Honour, wherein you acquaint me that 
your Governm! then declin'd sending the Levies 
rais'd by them to Nova Scotia;^ yet I hope the late 
Event at Minas will induce 'em to alter their Reso- 
lution ; and that you will not fail to send both your 
Colony Sloop and your levies. 

The hon''!* William Greene Esqf 



RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS,^ 

At a Council held at the Council Chamber in Boston upon Fryday 
February 27'.'' 1 74^. 

His Excellency having communicated to this 
Board Advices he has receiv'd from Nova Scotia, by 
which it appears that the Enemy has obtain'd con- 
siderable Advantages over his Majesty's Troops 
raised in this Province, and sent thither for the De- 

1 See Greene's answer of March 6. 

2 See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 211. 

8 Enclosed with letter of March 4, 1747. 



46 Correspondence of the 

fence of that Province ; And the Board being of 
Opinion that the Preservation of that Country is of 
the utmost Importance as well for the Interest of the 
Crown as the Safety of his Majesty's Northern Colo- 
nies. 

Advised that his ExcT send to the Governors of 
the neighbouring Colonies to inform them of this 
State of Affairs in Nova Scotia, and in the most 
pressing manner to desire that they would without 
delay prepare a Number of Troops, and transport 
them to Nova Scotia, and send their respective arm'd 
Vessels thither to join with the King's Troops raised 
in this Province, and such Vessels as may be sent 
from hence, that so there may be a sufficient Force 
for the driving the Enemy out of that Country. 

Copy examined per J Willard Secretary. 



GOVERNOR GREENE TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY. 

Bristol 6 March at 2 Clock afternoon. 

Just now Rec''^ your Express of the 4*!" Instant^ 
and am Sorry for the Misfortune of the Troops at 
Annapolis And in Answer to Your Excelencies Re- 
quest Shall Do everything in my Power to Cause 
this Colony to Do their Proportion, towards assist- 
ing Annapolis, but Do not Apprehend its in my 
Power To act in that affare without the Gen" assem- 
bly And "as I have before Inform^ Your Excelency 

1 See preceding letter. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 47 

that our Gard Sloop is not only out of Repare And 
her Men all Discharged, but the provisions and Store 
Laid in by this Colony (when Designed for Annapo- 
lis are Disposed of — so that at present I Cannot 
Informe Your Excelency what Resolution this Col- 
ony will Come into. 

I am S' Your Most Humble Servant 

W. Greene 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO THE GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND. 

London 3d month the 20. 1747 
To the Govern'' of Rh'^ Island &(f: 

My last to thee was of 24'!^ 12'!" month ^ and I6*^ 
of 2f month ^ last about the Colonys Affairs, since 
which I have received none of thy favours w'''' prob- 
ably might have miscarried as there have been 2 
or 3 Ships from Boston lately taken by the Enemy 
viz Cap! Prince, Cap' Watts, and a Ship bound to 
N. Castle. 

I hope ere this time the Dividing Line of the 
Boundaries is Run (tho' probably the Province of the 
Massachus*^ did not joyn in the doing it) and that 
the Inhab'^ on the Borders are thereby quieted in 
their Possessions.^ 

As to our Demand for the Expence in the Expe- 
dition against Cape Breton, that Matter having been 
before the Board of Trade on a Referrence from the 
King in Council (as I heretofore ad^/ised thee) they 

1 See above, p. 38. 2 Not in the archives. 

8 See note to letter of May 31; 1746. 



48 Correspondence of the 

have made their Report thereupon (a Copy of the 
Purport thereof comes inclosed/) and it lays now at 
the Council Office for the Lords of the Council to 
proceed upon, w'^*' we expect they will shortly, but we 
can hardly expect the Money to be paid I find till 
next Sesions of Parliam* to any of us — and this 
Sessions they say will break up in abo! 3 weeks time 
wherein nothing has been done to the prejudice of 
the Plantations. 

I have not been able to obtain the Stores yet for 
the Colony tho' often Solicited for but shall continue 
my Endeavours. 

As for Publick News, The War with France and 
Spain continues and no likelyhood of Peace, — The 
Dutch have lately chosen the Pr : of Orange their 
Stadholder w*"^ will add vigour to the Allies and be 
a mortifica" to the French, and it's expected that the 
Dutch will now the more readily come in to take 
part in the War : The D. of Cumberland is at the 
Head of an Army of abo' 1 00000. Men in Fland" 
and that a gen" Battle will soon happen there. Ad- 
mirals Anson and Warren have been out w''' a con- 
sid^.'^ Number of Men of War on a Cruize lately 
and met with a Fleet of Men of War East India 
Men and Transports of 38 Saile newly sailed out 
of RochelP in France of which they have taken 6 
French Men of War of 74, 66, 56, 52, 52, and 44 Guns 
and 6 East India Ships and 2 Transports w'?" Stores 



1 See the following document. 

2 The French fleet under La Jonquiere (who had brought home the remnant of 
D'Anville's unfortunate squadron) sailed from Rochelle May lo, 1747, and on May 14 
met, and was defeated by, the English under Anson and Warren. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 49 

(w'''' its Supposed cost in the whole a million or a 
Million and half Sterl^) and thereby have doubtless 
quite disconcerted their designs w""^ was as they say, 
when their Fleet had Sailed together for sometime 
to have divided themselves, Two of the Men of War 
and part of the Fleet were bound to the East Indies, 
and the rest of the Men of War and Transports to 
Canada after Endeavouring to retake Cape Breton 
by the Way. 

I am with due Respects 

Thy assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

27 ditto 

this day 20. Waggons load of Silver and Gold was 
bro! to this City from Portsm? the prize money taken 
in the above Ships by Admir'^ Anson and Warren 
and a pretty deal more expected up 

To The Governour and Company of 

Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 



REPORT OF THE LORDS OF TRADE.* 

That they had been attended by the Agent who 
laid before them an account of Expences of the Col- 
ony of Rhode Island, in the Reduction and Secur- 
ing of Cape Breton, Attested upon Oath to be a true 
account by John Gardiner Commissary Gen! and 
certifyed under the Seal of the Colony of Rhode 



1 Enclosed with letter of May 20, 1747. 
VOL. II. 



50 Correspondence of the 

Island by Gideon Wanton Gov^ the particulars of 
which said Acco* are distinguished under the follow- 
ing head, viz. &c* 

And after reciting the several heads of the 

Acts of Assembly and hints of the Substance 

of General Pepperrell and Admiral Warrens 

Letters — they say 

But as the said Petitioner had no Vouchers of the 

several Particulars of the said Account, or any other 

Evidence than what appears upon the Face thereof 

to lay before Us that might enable Us to adjust and 

Liquidate the Same pursuant to the directions of 

Your Majestys Order in Council, We must humbly 

Submit the said Acco* a Copy whereof is hereunto 

annexed to Your Majesty's Pleasure.^ 

MONSON 

R Plumer 

H. Fox B Leveson Gower 

Whitehall Fra. Fane 

May 12. 1747 



GOVERNOR WANTON 2 TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY. 

Newport the 22* May 1747 
Sir 

This Serves to acknowledge the Reci'pt of your 
Excleny's letter of the 18'^ Instant^ with an Extract 
from Coll. Stodards Letter Inclosed: As to what 
your Except Signifies of the necessity in assisting of 
the Indians of the Six nations I shall Communicate 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 218. 2 Elected governor in May, 1747. 

8 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 216, 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 5 1 

the Same to our Gen" Assembly which Sits here by 
Adjournment on the Second Tusday in June Next 
and use my Endeavors to have a Due Consideration 
thereon ; and then Shall aquaint you of Theire Re- 
solution on that affaire and am with Due Respects 
&c. your most^ 

asured freind and Servt 

GiD. Wanton 
Endorsed : To Gov' Shirley. 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR WANTON. 

Boston June i. 1747 
Sir, 

I wrote to your Honour the 18'.'' of May^ last to 
inform you of the State of Affairs in relation to the 
Six Nations and the general Inclination among 'em 
to prosecute the War against Our Common Enemy, 
and thereupon to desire that your Government would 
encourage this Spirit in those Indians by making 
such Supplies for fitting 'em out and rewarding their 
Services, as may be necessary for that End. Since 
the Date of my Letter Our General Court are met 
and having taken the same Matter under Considera- 
tion, have Voted One Thousand Pounds New Tenor 
to be put into the Hands of Col" Stoddard^ to be 

1 The Assembly declined " to bear part of the charge and expense of encouraging 
and fitting out the Six Nations of Indians to prosecute the war against the French." 
Col.Rec. of R. /., v. 218. 

2 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 216. 

3 Colonel John Stoddard of Northampton, Superintendent of Defence of the county 
of Hampshire in western Massachusetts, and for several years a member of the Coun- 
cil of the province. He died in 1748. 



52 Correspondence of the 

employ 'd in this Service, which together with ^750. 
before remitted him in Goods by Order of the Gov- 
ernment, being added to the many Presents which 
this Governm! have made to those Indians since the 
Beginning of the War, may justly be esteemed so 
large a Proportion of the Charge, necessary in the 
most effectual Manner to encourage the six Nations 
to Prosecute this War, that if the other Governm*5 
in North America would grant proportionable Sums 
for the same Service, it is highly probable that the 
Success of these Attempts would more than Answer 
our Expence, it being the most likely way to weaken 
and distress the French at present, and to make way 
for the Reduction of Canada, whenever it may be 
attempted. 

This I write to your Honour at the Request of 
our General Assembly (who are much concerned to 
have this Affair succeed) as well as from my own 
earnest Desire to promote an Affair in which I think 
his Majesty's Interest and the Safety of his Good 
Subjects in these Colonies is so deeply concerned ; 
And therefore I must pray your Honour to lay this 
Matter before your Assembly, and use your Influ- 
ence for bringing them to join with us in promoting 
this Service 

I am Sir 

Your Honour's humble Servant 

W Shirley 

The Hon"^ Gideon Wanton Esq' 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 53 

SECRETARY WILLARD TO GOVERNOR WANTON. 

Boston June 20. 1747 
Sir, 

I am directed by the General Court of this Pro- 
vince to acquaint your Honour, that his Exc^ our 
Governour has determined (at the request of both 
Houses) to send a Flag of Truce to Canada, with 
Commissioners to proceed therein to Quebec, in 
order to procure the redemption of all such English 
Prisoners belonging to this Governm! and the Gov- 
ernm*f of New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode 
Island as may be within that Governm*, and to use 
all possible Care to recover such of the s^ English 
Captives as may be in the hands of the Indians ; And 
that all the french Prisoners that may be obtained 
within these Governments be sent in the Flag of 
Truce to Canada ; And I am further to inform your 
Honour that the Resolution of this Governm! in the 
said Affair is taken in Confidence that the Govern- 
ments of New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode 
Island will join in the Expence that will arise by 
the sending the said Flag of Truce in proportion to 
the Number of Prisoners belonging to each Govern- 
ment that may be redeemed ; ^ And it is also desired 
that your Honour would give Orders that whatever 
french Prisoners are within your Colony be forthwith 
got ready to be sent hither in order to their being 
transported to Canada in the said Flag of Truce. 
Your Honour will be pleas'd to let this Government 

1 For a list of the Rhode Island prisoners, see below. 



54 Correspondence of the 

know your Determination in this Affair as soon as 
you can with Convenience. 

I am Sir, 
Your Honours most Obedient and most humble 
Servant 

JOSIAH WiLLARD 

The hon^!^ Gideon Wanton Esq!: 

List of Rhode Island Prisoners. 

A List of Prisoners belonging to Rhode Island, 
and returned to Boston in the Flag of Truce from 
Quebec, Aug'.' i6. 1747. 

John Pike 
Edw^ Tew 
John Years 
Gregory Cousins 
Jacob Judah 
Samuel Sayers 

Extract 

Examined by J Willard Secy. 



GOVERNOR WANTON TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY. 

Newport on Rhode Island august 26'? 1747 
Sir. 

I have Received Your Excellencys Letter of the 
20'.'' Current^ the matters therein Contained are of 
Such a nature that I have no authority to act upon 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 224. There is no note upon this matter in the Assembly 
records. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 55 

them ; and make with your Excellency any agree- 
ment relating thereto that can be obligatory upon 
this Government; the Generall Assembley of this 
Collony is to Sit the Next week ; and it being there 
province alone to Determine in all Such Things as 
are recommended to me in your Excellencys Leter ; 
I will then lay it before them, together with the 
papers that accompanied it ; tis impossible for me to 
tell what they will resolve upon ; but I think it highly 
probable that they Will readiley agree to bear the 
proportionable Part of the Charge for Transporting 
the Six Prisoners, mentioned by your Excellency, 
from Canada to Boston 

I am Sir 

yours 

G. Wanton 
Endorsed : 

To His Excellency William Shirley Esq?' 
Govr of the province of the Massachusets Bay 



PROCLAMATION BY GOVERNOR SHIRLEY AND GOVERNOR 
KNOWLES. 

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle having in his 
Letter to Governour Shirley^ Signified that His 
Majesty finding it necessary to Employ the greatest 
part of His Forces to Assist His Allies and defend 
the Libertys of Europe Had thought proper for the 

1 A letter from Shirley of October lo, enclosing extracts of the letter of the Duke 
of Newcastle referred to here, is in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 227, 229. For Governor 
Wanton's replies, see Ibid., V. 230, 233. This Proclamation was evidently enclosed 
with Shirley's letter of October 29, Ibid.f V. 231. 



56 Correspondence of the 

present to lay aside the Prosecution of the intended 
Expedition against Canada and Commanded him 
and Governour Knowles to discharge all the Forces 
raised for that Service (excepting such as they should 
Judge necessary to be kept in Pay for Securing the 
Province of Nova Scotia) and to thank the Officers 
and Men in His Majesty's Name for their readiness 
and Zeal to enter into His Service. 

In Consequence thereof we do hereby discharge 
all the Said Officers and Men (except four Hun- 
dred) out of His Majestys Service from the 31 V of 
October 1747 and they are hereby discharged ac- 
cordingly. 

And We do also thank them in His Majesty's 
Royal Name for their readiness to Engage in their 
Country's Cause against the Common Enemy and 
though they are prevented at present of Revenging 
themselves on a Cruel Perfidious Enemy it cannot 
be doubted but that the same Zeal and Spirit will 
always Animate them to Serve again when ever they 
are called upon. Given under our Hands this 28*'? 
day of October 1747. 

W Shirley. Cha^ Knowles. 



governor shirley to governor wanton. 

Boston Nov! 24. 1747 
Sir 

Since my last to Your Honour, Mr Knowles and 

I have reciev'd a Letter from Governour Clinton 

wherein he acquaints us that he has hitherto paid 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 57 

the Levies of his own Government, Maryland, Vir- 
ginia, and Pensilvania after the Rate of 6*^ Sterling 
per day over and above their Provisions, w*"*" have 
been allow'd 'em and that he shall pay 'em the Re- 
mainder now due to 'em at the same Rate : Where- 
upon My Knowles and I think the Rate of paying 
the Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Is- 
land Levies is so far fix'd by M' Clinton's having 
proceeded thus in paying off the Western Levies 
that we think any Abatement in the Pay of the New 
Engl^ Levies or Stoppage for Provisions or billetting 
Money allow'd 'em by the Colonies wo'd raise the 
utmost Discontent among the Soldiers and be greatly 
prejudicial to his Majesty's Service in New England 
upon any future Expedition, and have therefore de- 
termin'd that the Levies of the three beforemen- 
tion'd New England Colonies shall be paid of[f] at 
the Rate of 6^ a day Sterling clear of Stoppages for 
Provisions or billetting Money allow'd 'em by the 
Governm*M w*'.*' Determination we the more readily 
come into as we find it is agreeable to the General 
Opinion of the Governours concern 'd in the Expe- 
dition ; and I now acquaint You with it that the Men 
may be paid off at the Rate of 6'^ Sterling per day 
clear of any Stoppage for Provisions found 'em by 
Your Colony. 

I must now observe to Your Honour that the Acco'.* 
transmitted to Mr Knowles and myself by the Hands 

1 Shirley's first plan was to pay the men 6d. per day from the time of embarkation 
for Nova Scotia till their return to their respective colonies ; before and after those 
times a stoppage was to be made for provisions, and the men to receive but 2d. per 
day. In no respect were Newcastle's directions so explicit as in the desire to avoid 
expense. Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 229, 232. 



58 Correspondence of the 

of Colonel Kennecutt seem fram'd to make the Crown 
Debtor for the billetting Money and Provisions 
found by Your Colony for the Soldiers rais'd within 
it for the late intended Expedition, as also for the 
Vessells hir'd to transport 'em and Your Colony 
Sloop fitted out for their Guard ; as to the first of 
which Articles I wo'd acquaint You that it was 
expected by his Majesty to be found at the Expence 
of all the Colonies concernd for the Soldiers rais'd 
within their particular Governm'f and requir'd from 
'em by his Majesty so to be ; and that Your Colony 
is single in it's Demands upon the Crown for the 
Provisions which they have purchas'd for their Re- 
spective levies and Transports or Vessells of Warr 
provided by it on their Account and the only one 
that appears to M' Knowles and me yet to have 
made it ; and it is evident from the Tenour of Your 
Act/ a Copy of which You inclos'd me, that it was 
not the Intention of Your Government at the time 
of making it, that either the Provisions or Transports 
and Vessells of Warr found by it, sho'd be charg'd 
to the Crown ; I'm sure it never enter'd into the 
Thoughts of this Government to do it. I hope there- 
fore You will reconsider these two Articles and ex- 
plain Yourself farther upon them ; For M!" Knowles 
and I shall think ourselves oblig'd to observe upon 
both of 'em to the Duke of Newcastle in the same 
Manner that I now do to Your Honour. 

Mr Knowles and I observe Medecines charg'd and 
Expences in taking Care of the Sick, for satisfying 
which we wo'd advise You to make a Deduction of 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 172, 173. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 59 

the three pence Sterlf per Month out of the Pay of 
private Men, four pence per Month from the Corpo- 
rals, and six pence from the Sergeants to pay it ; as 
I shall do from the Non-Commission Officers and 
private Men rais'd within this Government : For we 
don't think any thing will be allow'd for it by the 
Crown as it is usual to provide for it by Deductions 
from the Men. 

If there are any other Articles upon which it may 
be necessary for me to observe to Your Honour, 
which I don't recollect at present I will transmit 'em 
by next Post, but having but just time now to save 
the Post, I shall only desire Your Answer by the 
Return of it, to this, as I must dispatch away an 
Express to England the Beginning of next Week, 
and wo'd fain include Your Accounts in it. 

I must also beg of You to let Col' Kinnicutt know, 
that M' Knowles and I shall give Certificates to the 
Officers of what is due to 'em sign'd by both of us to 
intitule 'em to their Pay w^*" the Paymaster General 
of his Majesty's forces and that if he will furnish me 
w*!" an Acco' of what is due to the Rhode Island 
Officers and let me see him in time ; I will give them 
such Certificates ; which will probably be more satis- 
factory to 'em than any Method they can think of for 
adjusting the Pay due to 'em. I am 

Your Honour's Most Humble Servant 

W Shirley. 

Govern!: Wanton. 



6o Correspondence of the 



COLONEL KINNICUTT ^ TO GOVERNOR WANTON. 

Sir 

Governour Shirley informs me that agreeable to 
his Instruction from the Duke of New Castle he had 
applyd To thiss Goverment To furnish the Money 
To pay of the three Companies Raised in thiss 
Colony for the Intended Expedition against Canada^ 
To which application he had not Received a full 
answer but was in Termes to thiss purpose that they 
Should not or Could not do it at the preasent Which 
he Says is nither a Denial nor acceptence and that 
he Could not act With any propriety in Drawing of 
Bills or any other matter that Related to the affair 
Without he had a full and absolute answer Wheather 
the Goverment Would furnish the money or not I 
desire in behalf of the officers and Soldiers, that a 
full and peremptory answer may be Given him Which 
Done I hope no New objection will occur but that 
the affair may be Brought to a Speedy Conclusion 
Mean While I am With Due Respect your 
Honours most Humb^ Servant 

Edward Kinnicutt 

Providence, February 13 : 174^ 

To the Honourable Gidion Wanton Esqi: 
Governour at Newport 



1 Lieutenant-colonel of the three companies sent to Canada in 1746. 

2 See Newcastle's directions in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 229. For resolution of the As- 
sembly, Ibid., V. 226, and for measures finally adopted, viz., an emission of bills of 
credit. Ibid., V. 243. 




GIDEON WANTON 

1745-1746, 1747-1748 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 6i 

GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR WANTON. 

Boston FebT 29, 174^ 
Sir, 

The General Assembly of this Province presuming 
upon their Claim to a Reimbursm* of the Charges of 
the late Expedition against Cape Breton, have been 
employing their thoughts to find out some Method 
of improving such Reimbursm!, so as to put an End 
to the present Paper Currency, And they have 
projected a Bill (which has had two Readings in 
the Assembly) for this Purpose, a Copy of which 
I shall now inclose you : As there are Bills of each 
of the four Governm'f of New England, which have 
obtained a Currency thro' the whole, it was judged 
proper before any thing be finally determined here, 
that a Conferen-ce should be had by Commissioners 
from each Governm!, that so, if possible, one general 
Method or Scheme might be agreed on ; And you 
will see by the Vote inclos'd that Commissioners 
have accordingly been chosen by this Government ; 
And I must desire your Honour to recommend it to 
your Assembly to join in this Affair which is of such 
vast Importance, and for effecting which it's probable 
there never may be so happy an Opportunity here- 
after.i 

We have no absolute Certainty that any Grant 
will be made by the Parliament, but there is great 
Reason to expect it, and our latest Advices are that 
it will be done the present Session ; And the Assem- 
bly here seem'd to be of Opinion that unless some 

1 Rhode Island did not act upon this well-timed suggestion. 



62 Correspondence of the 

speedy Provision should be made on this Side the 
Water, great Endeavours will be used that these 
Governml^ should be obliged to draw out their Grants 
by Bills of Exchange,^ the Consequence of which 
would be the Importation of vast Quantities of Goods, 
and perhaps the Exchange would be set at such a 
Rate as would be to the great damage of the Publick 
much beyond the present Value of the Bills of 
Credit, and what the Generality of the present Pos- 
sessors have no equitable Claim to. The Assembly 
have propos'd this Province to meet in, because it is 
nearest the Center, and as the Gentlemen can best 
be accomodated in the Town of Boston, it is propos'd 
their first Meeting shall be held there. The Memo- 
rial refer'd to in the Report I have not sent a Copy 
of, the Proposals contained therein being much the 
same with what is propos'd by this Bill. 

I have sent Letters of the same Tenor with this 
to the Governours of New Hampshire and Connecti- 
cut ; I shall expect your Answer as soon as may be. 

I am Sir 

Your Honour's most Obedient humble Servant 

W Shirley. 

The hon^^^ Governour Wanton 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR WANTON. 

London 2d mo. the 8'." 1748. 
To the Gov": 0/ Rhode Island^ 

I have received Govf Wantons Packet dated II*^ 
Jan*? last with the 2 Bills on the Lords of the Trea- 

1 The money was paid in specie. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 63 

sury^ for ^6481.16.1. and ;/^3662.i3.3 Sterl? together 
with the Acco* and Vouchers of the Colonys Expence 
in raising forces for the intended Canada Expedition ^ 
&c. per Cap? Bruce via Boston and have left the Bills 
at the Treasury for acceptance and Offered to leave 
the other papers also but it was not thought fit to 
receive them at that time, so shall attend with them 
at the Office again intending to use my best Endea- 
vours for procuring payment. I hope it is not too 
late as the Parliam' are not likely to break up their 
Sessions so soon as was talkt off, neither will the 
King now go over to Flanders this year as it seems 
to be generally the Opinion of People. 

This now incloses the Votes of the House of 
Commons wherein thou wilt See they have at length 
resolved amongst others that a Sum not exceeding 
;^6332.i2.io. be granted for Our Colonys Expence 
in the Cape Breton Expedition (on the Success 
whereof I congratulate the Colony,) which Sum I 
think amounts exactly to our demand at the Exch* 
of 570 per C* which is pretty near as the Exch* was 
at that time, and as I am informed, one of the last 
things to be done and pass'd at the Conclusion of 
the Sessions will be an Appropriating Bill for the 
L^.* of the Treasury to make payment pursuant to 
the Resolutions on the Supply, which perhaps may 
be some considerable time afterwards, in the manner 
as it shall please them to do it, for which we must 
wait their leisure, and because of not disgusting them 
at this Critical Juncture it will not be prudent for me 

1 See Wanton's letter to the Lords of the Treasury, Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 266. 

2 The troops intended for the relief of Annapolis Royal. 



64 Correspondence of the 

to teize them too much yet a while about the other 
money aforesaid ; out of the first money I receive of 
either I intend to pay the Gov" Bills on me in favour 
of Jos : Jacob, E Scott, H. Collins, and S. Ayrault. 

I am with due respects to thy self and Gentlemen 
of the Council and House of Representatives 
Thy and their Assured Friend, 

RiCH^ Partridge 

I am preparing my Acco*f to be sent over accord- 
ing to the Vote of the Assembly in Octor last/ 

Commody Coats with four of our Men of War sent 
out to join Adm! Hawks Squadron met with a Fleet 
of 9 Men of War and 27. Sail of Spaniards from 
Cadiz bound for the Spanish West Indies out of 
which was taken by our said Men of War 3, Register 
Ships supposed to be very rich and two other small 
Prizes 

R. P. 

To The Governour and Company 

of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 3 month 20'." 1748. 

To the Govern", of Rhode Island &cf. 

I wrote thee last of the 8*^ Instant," Since which 
I have been diligently Soliciting for the Payment 
of the Bills drawn on the Treasury ^ but find it will 

•I See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 226. '^ See the preceding letter. 

3 Bills drawn to cover the expenses of the troops sent to Annapolis Royal. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 65 

take more time and trouble than I expected but in- 
tend to leave no Stone unturnd till it be effected, 
the Duke of NewCastle has not yet made a Return 
to the Lords of the Treasurys letters which was wrote 
about the Affair (a Copy whereof comes inclosed) ^ 
whereupon I have drawn up a Petition to him an- 
nexing Copys of his Several Letters and of Govf 
Shirleys and lodged at his Office, a Copy of which 
Petition comes also inclosed,^ which I hope will also 
induce him to do his part and then I must address 
the Lords of the Treasury in something of the Same 
Sort. I queried at the Treasury Office what the 
reason should be of their delay more on our Bills 
than of those from the GovT of New York which have 
been paid and the answer was in Substance that the 
New York Gov!" had not yet sent his acco'f and what 
he drew was only on acco* of their Expence, and that 
he was Still accountable for what he drew as being 
the Kings Governf and then the Relationship that 
there was between him and the first Comml" of the 
Treasury might be some Consideration, but yet what 
was done by Rhode Island Colony was in Obedience 
to the Kings Orders Signified fully by the Dukes 
Letff I am apt to think they cannot hissitate a great 
while longer about it which would be very dishonour- 
able, and I shall push it on as fast as is convenient 
but must have patience. And!" Stone the Dukes 
head Secretary is gone over with the King which 
is another impediment to us he promised me before 
he went that an answer should be returnd instantly 
to the Treasury, but he failed doing it. there is no 

1 See the following document. 2 Not in the archives. 

VOL. II. 



66 Correspondence of the 

further talk that I can learn yet when the Cape 
Breton money will be paid but hope it will in 3. or 
4. mo? time, but I have been considering it woud be 
really necessary for Your Gen! Assembly to pass an 
Act empowering me as their Agent to receive the 
;^6332.i2.io. Sterl? voted by Parliam! and give a 
proper discharge for it, for the Rhode Island Ex- 
pence for assisting to take and Secure Cape Breton 
least when the money comes to be paid it should be 
objected to me that the Gov" Authority only is not 
Authentick enough. I find the Connec* Agent has 
such an Act transmitted him from that Colony and it 
will be no hurt if not made use off. 

I herewith send thee the Kings Speech at pro- 
rogruing the Parliam' soon after which he took 
Shipping to go over to his Germain Dominions. 

The Preliminary Articles for a Cessation of Arms 
with France are now ratified ^ and it is to be hoped 
a Peace will take effect accordingly and that the 
Spaniards will also come in to the Treaty which as 
yet they have not for the rest I refer to the Prints 
herewith sent, and remain 

Thy assured Friend, 

RichP Partridge 

To The Governour and Company of the Colony 
of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, 
New England 

1 See letter from the Duke of Bedford, of May 7, 1748, Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 247. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 67 



J. WEST^ TO ANDREW STONE.^ 

Copy of a Letter from the Treasury sent to the Duke of NewCastles 

Office 

Sir 

The Gov^ of Rh*^ Island and Providence Planta- 
tions having by letter dat^ 9 Jan7 1 747 acquainted 
the L"!' Comm? of his MajT Treasury that pursuant 
to the Kings Commands transmitted to them from 
the Duke of NewCastle they had raised three 
Companys of Soldiers for an Expedition intended 
ag'.' Canada and incurr'd Several publick expences 
amounting in the whole to ;/^ 7608 3.1 1.4. Currency 
according to the Vouchers by him sent to their 
Agent here and that he had drawn Bills on their 
Lordships for the value thereof to the amount of 
^10144.9.6 Sterl w*'.'' Bills have been accordingly 
presented for acceptance : I am thereupon directed 
by their L^ships to send you the inclosed Copy of 
the Said letter to be communicated to his Grace with 
[the] desire that he will let them know whether the 
said Expences incurred and [the] Bills drawn are 
agreable in point of time or otherwise to the several 
Orders sent to the West Indies relating to Service 
of this kind 

I am Sir Your most humble Servant 

J. West 

Treasury Chamber 27I' of April 1748 
To Andrew Stone Esq! 

1 James West, politician and antiquary. He was treasurer and president of the 
Royal Society, as well as joint secretary to the treasury. This last-named office he 
held from 1741 to 1762. 

2 Enclosed with letter of May 20, 1748. 



68 Correspondence of the 

RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 4'? mo the Vi 1748 
To the Gov'', of Rhode Island &tff 

My last to thee was of the 20'^ Ult ^ to which I 
refer, As to the Bills of Exch^ on the Treasury there 
is little further to be done therein at present that 
Board being adjourned over this time of Whitsuntide 
till next Week and then I shall pursue the Matter 
again in order to get the Bills accepted, but by what 
I can learn they miss'd it in Sending to the Duke of 
Newcastle for information, which should have been 
to the Duke of Bedford he being lately put into his 
Place as Secretary of State ^ for the Plantations and 
all the Copys of Letters and Papers removed from 
D : of NewCastles OfKice to that of the Duke of 
Bedfords, and I doubt the Treasury must Send to 
him for the Information they want about the Orders 
given per the Canada Expedition, the Massachus'^ 
Connecticut nor New Jersey acco'? on that head I 
dont find are yet delivered in, but those of New Jer- 
sey I am advised are coming over to me, amounting 
to about ;^50oo. Sterling. 

As for Publick News I refer thee to the Print here 
inclosed and to others sent thee per this Conveyance 
to my Friend Andf Oliver and Co : to forward and 
remain 

Thy assured Friend 

R. P. 

The King is safe arrived in Holland going to 
Hannover. 

1 See letter on p. 64. 

2 Appointed Secretary of State, to succeed Lord Chesterfield in 1747. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 69 

ly'.*" Ditto. 
Since the foregoing they finding at the Treasury 
on my information their mistake in sending to the 
Duke of Newcastle as aforesaid wrote a Letter (of 
which inclosed is a Copy ^) to the same effect to the 
Duke of Bedfords Office and Reef a Return thereto, 
and I delivered a Petition to the Treasury ^ setting 
forth the State of our Case relating to the 2 Bills of 
Exchange drawn on them by Govy Wanton for Your 
Expence in the late Canada Expedition &c^ and now 
I have the Pleasure after diverse Solicitations and 
attendances to acquaint thee that on my being again 
yesterday at the Treasury which was their Board day 
and the Lords Sitting, at length obtained their grant 
of an Order to the Paymaster of the Forces to accept 
both the Bills amounting together to ^10144.9.6. Sterl 
and to pay them accordingly, with which Order (of 
which I likewise send thee a Copy^), I went Imedi- 
atly to the Paymasters Office and got them accepted 
from the 16'!* Inst, to be paid agreeable to the time 
mentioned therein, and Since that I have accepted 
Govr Wantons four Bills which he redrew on me for 
the Colonys Acco! But it must be observed that in the 
Secretarys Order to the Paymaster of the Forces it 
is mentioned that Govr Wanton should be set Insu- 
per, for the same, that is as I take it he is looked 
upon as answerable for the making good the Arti- 
cles of Charges in the Acco! when hereafter they 
shou'd come to be narrowly inspected and examined, 
for at present they left all the accounts with me for 

1 Not in the archives. 2 See the following document. 

8 Not in the archives. 



70 Correspondence of the 

the Gov''? Justification and did not care to take the 
trouble to examine into them, only queried in what 
nature they were verified. So that probably hereafter 
they may be Scrutinized into in a Strict manner with 
Respect to the Vouchers by direction of Parliament, 
and the GovT to Acco? for what Articles may be 
disapproved or the Vouchers not to Satisfaction 
and therefore I humbly Submit it to consideration 
whether an Act of the General Assembly Should not 
be first passed to endemnify Gov! Wanton before 
any more Bills be drawn on me on acco* of the above- 
said Money. I could not propose to have obtained 
the payment in any other manner and which I doubt 
not is Customary in Such Cases and beleive is the 
same circumstance attending Govern! Clinton and 
Gov!" Shirleys Bills — for such of them as have been 
paid. 

I have a Demand on the same footing for about 
;!^5ooo in behalf of New Jersey but as no Bills are 
drawn I find by what I can learn at present I must 
wait another Sessions of Parliament before I shall 
be able to get any part of it, neither do I suppose 
either the Connecticutt or New Hampshire Agents 
will get any thing at all till then of the Canada Ex- 
pedition money. This Affair has been attended as 
well the former with some Expence and my Acco* 
shall be sent hereafter. 

As to the Cape Breton money altho' it be allowed 
us by Act of Parliament being ^6332.12.10 yet there 
is no certainty what time it will be paid, they talk 
as if it is left pretty much with the Lords of the 
Treasury in what manner to make the Payments 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 71 

and which I find is under their Considera", and that 
it is intended to be paid in Such a manner as to 
obhge the several Colonys to call in and Cansel so 
much of their Paper Bills of Credit as the money or 
good part of it amounts to, but as yet they are come 
to no certainty about it. I have understood from the 
Sec7 that the delay is not occasioned for want of 
money in the Treasury but about the manner of pay- 
ing it as aforesaid and that all the four Colonys are to 
fare alike in proportion to their respective Sums : — 

I think your Gen'.' Assembly woud do well to pass 
an Act impowring me to receive the Cape Breton 
Money and give a discharge therefor, as heretofore 
advised, least the Gov? Authority should not be suf- 
ficient, and it may come for ought I know in time 
for it 

As for Publick News the Preliminarys for a Peace 
Stand as they did for a Cessation of Arms but the 
Spaniards are not yet committed unto to agree to 
them but what they may do is yet uncertain 
I am Thy assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

I am apt to think the Connecticutt and New 
Hampshire Agents will Scarce receive a Shilling 
of the Canada Expedition money this Twelve month 
and I understand there is a Stand now put to the 
Payment of Gov! Clinton and Govy Shirleys Bills on 
that head the reason of it I take to be their draw- 
ing on the Paymaster of the Forces instead of the 
Lords of the Treasury. 

To The Governour and Company of the Colony 
of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 



']2 Correspondence of the 



PETITION OF RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO THE LORDS OF THE 

TREASURY.^ 

To the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury of Great 

Britaain &c 

The Humble Petition of Richard Partridge Agent 
for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plan- 
tations in New England 

Sheweth That the Governour and Company of the 
said Colony received the Duke of NewCastles Let- 
ter dated the 9*^ of April 1 746. Signifying the Kings 
requiring that the Necessary dispositions should be 
Speedily made in the said Colony amongst his other 
Governments in North America for raising Forces 
for joyning his Regular Troops to be employ 'd in 
the Reduction of Canada under the Command of 
Lieu* Gen! S* Clair and that the said Colony should 
appoint proper Ofhcers to Command the Men they 
should be able to raise, and were directed to assure 
all that should engage in the Service as well Officers 
as Soldiers that they were immediatly to enter into 
his Majestys Pay. And as to the Article of Arms 
and Cloathing for the Men to be raised, his Majesty 
had Commanded that it should be recommended to 
the said Governour and Company and other Gov- 
ernours to take Care that the Soldiers be provided 
therewith, and that his Majesty had Authorised and 
empowred Lieu* Gen! S* Clair to make reasonable 
Allowance for defraying that Expence, and the said 
Governour and Company were orderd by the said 

1 Enclosed with letter of June i, 1748. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 73 

Letter to recommend to the Council and Assembly 
to provide a Sufficient number of Transports to carry 
the Troops to be raised in Rhode Island to Louis- 
bourg the Place of Rendezvouz, and from thence up 
the River S! Lawrence with Provisions for the Men. 

That pursuant to the said Orders the Governour 
and Company being willing to give all possible Evi- 
dence of their Loyalty and Gratitude to the King 
and Zeal for his Service in so important an Expedi- 
tion did appoint Officers, and Issued a Proclamation 
dated the 4'.'' of June 1 746. for encouraging Men to en- 
list in the said Service, and 3. Companies of one hun- 
dred Men each were accordingly raised fitted with 
Arms Cloathing and Ammunition and Supported by 
the said Colony for the said intended Expedition. 

That in Octo^ 1746. the said Colony received a 
Letter from Gov!" Shirley of New England and Com- 
modore Warren signifying the Great danger that the 
Fortress of Annapolis Royal and the whole Province 
of Nova Scotia was in of falling into the Enemies 
hands unless Succours were immediatly sent, and 
that as the preservation of the Province is of the 
Utmost Consequence for his Majestys Interest &c^ 
he would expect that at least the Troops in his own 
pay should be employed for the Defence of that 
Country, and therefore earnestly urged that without 
loss of time the Gov^ of the said Colony of Rhode 
Island wou'd send in proper Vessells the 300 Men 
raised in the said Colony (for the Expedition against 
Canada) for the defence of Annapolis Royal and 
Nova Scotia, and further signifyed that the loss of 
Annapolis Royal woud make an Addition of 5. or 



74 Correspondence of the 

6000. fighting Men to the Strength of the Enemy 
and thereby enable them to make further attempts 
even upon Louisbourg. 

That the said Governour of Rhode Island received 
from Govr Shirley of New England an Extract of a 
Letter wrote from the Duke of NewCastle to the 
said Gov' Shirley dated May the 30^^ 1747 Signifying 
amongst other Matters that he was directed to Con- 
fer with Commodore Knowles about the Present State 
of Nova Scotia &c^ and touching the Expence in- 
curr'd on Account of the American Troops from the 
time of their being levyed to the time of their dis- 
charge &c^ the acco'f being adjusted and Liquidated 
and to be transmitted from the Several Governours 
in ord!' that they might be laid before the Parliament 
that Provision may be made for payment, and in the 
mean time in order to prevent any Complaint amongst 
the Men that have been enlisted for want of imedi- 
ate pay, the said Governour Shirley and Commodore 
Knowles were directed to recommend it to the Gov- 
ern" of the Provinces where these levies should have 
been made to procure Credit from their respective 
Assemblys for that purpose which his Majesty hoped 
may be done without difficulty &c^ 

That the said Gov' of Rhode Island reef from 
Admiral Warren in a Letter from Louisbourg of the 
12*.'' July 1745: a Letter or Copy of a Letter from 
the Duke of NewCastle dated Jan7 3"? 174^ forthe 
several Gov" of the Northern Colonies, Signifying 
that if Mr Warren should apply to them for Assist- 
ance either of Men Provisions or Shipping to enable 
him to proceed either to the Releif and Succour of 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 75 

Annapolis Royal or making any attempts on the 
Enemy, they were in all Such Cases to be aiding and 
assisting to him in the most effectual Manner &c. of 
which Letters Copys are hereunto annexed extracted 
from Authenticated Copys transmitted to Your Peti- 
tioner under the said Govf of Rhode Islands hand 
and the Seal of the Colony. 

That when the said 3 Companys were raised in 
the said Colony they Equipped Manned and Vict- 
ualled the Colonys Sloop of War for the same Ser- 
vice tho' She was the only armed Vessell they had 
to guard their Coast and protect their Trade, and 
in Order the more effectually to answer the Kings 
Intention in raising the Forces they granted a very 
large Bounty to Such as should enlist, and provide 
Transports, Provisions, Arms, Tents, Cloathing and 
other necessarys Seasonably, so that the Men were 
ready to embark at a very short warning with Provi- 
sions for their Subsistance near 12 Months, and in 
this State they continued till October, when at the 
pressing Instance of Governl" Shirley and Admiral 
Warren they were imbarked to go to the Relief of 
Annapolis Royal which was then in the utmost dan- 
ger of falling into the hands of the Enemy and 
departed from Rhode Island the beginning of Novf 
under Convoy of the Colonys said Sloop of War 
with all the Provisions &ct that were provided for 
the Canada Expedition, but had the Misfortune in 
Pursuance of the said Voyage to meet with Contrary 
Winds and exceeding bad Weather whereby two of 
the Transports were Stranded and lost, and at last 
after sending them another Transport and Several 



76 Correspondence of the 

Fruitless Attempts to proceed on their Voyage and 
Suffering greatly by Sickness and severity of the 
Weather they were obliged to return in a Sickly 
Condition without being able to get to Annapolis. 

And after their Return as the Colony had no 
Orders from the King to disband them they were 
some of them furlough'd, and others Billited out till 
the Kings pleasure should be known and they con- 
tinued till Governour Shirley and Comodore Knowles 
had orders to discharge them. 

That the Gov' of the Said Colony hath transmitted 
to Your Petitioner the Muster Rolls together with 
the Acco^^ of all the Particulars of the Expence in 
raising Supporting &c^ of the said Forces and of the 
Charge of the Convoy and Transports •aforesaid veri- 
fied on Oath and certified under the said Gov"? hand 
and the Seal of the Colony ready to be produced 
amounting in the whole to ;!^ioi 44.9.6 Sterling for 
which Sum those Bills were drawn which have been 
presented you. 

That the said Colony took up several Sums of 
Money of Merchants there on Credit to Supply part 
of the aforesaid Expence for which the said Govern- 
our hath already redrawn Bills on Your Petitioner 
which he cannot comply with until he is enabled by 
the Government here. 

That your Petitioner is informed the said Colony 
(which is of but a Small extent) is involved in a great 
deal of Debt on acco! of the aforesaid Expences and 
are unable to discharge the same in due time with- 
out being repaid. 

Wherefore Your Petitioner Humbly prays in be- 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 77 

half of the said Colony that You would be pleased 
to take the Premises into Consideration and to grant 
an Order for the Payment of the said Gov!" of Rhode 
Islands Bills of ExcM amounting together to the 
said Sum of ^10144.9.6. Ster? to Your Petitioner 
agreable to the Tenour thereof. 

All which is humbly Submitted 

RP Partridge 

London 4 mo ; the S'.*" 1 748 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 6 mo. the 4'." 1748. 
Gov''. Green, 

Altho' I have had no intimation by writing from 
the Colony of the Election there this Year yet have 
been informed that the Choice of their Governour 
has again fallen on thee and therefore I look on it 
my duty to address thee in my writing 

My last to the Govf and Company of Rhode Is- 
land was of the i f^ 4 month last per 3 Conveyances 
concerning the Colonys Affairs whereto please to be 
refer'd. 

Since that I have rec^ Cash for one of Gov' Wan- 
tons Bills on acco' of the Canada Expedition as it 
became due viz. that of ^3662.13.5. and out of it I 
have paid the four Bills he drew on me on the Col- 
onys acco* viz. those of ^166.0. ^549.1.0. ^514.6.0. 
;^3i2.i5.o. Sterl with some Interest due thereon: 
and the other Bill which the said Govf sent me, I 
expect will be also paid when due. 



78 Correspondence of the 

As for the ;^6332. 12.10. Sterl. our Cape Bre- 
ton Expence Granted by Act of Parliament, and 
which was the full of our Demand for ^36096.1.2. 
— Rhode Island Currency — it is to be paid by the 
Lords of the Treasury who have at several times 
been Solicited for payment of the money and par- 
ticularly the 2^] Ult. the Agents Attended and were 
called in to the Board and were with them upw^^ of 
an hour but no Resolution was come into about the 
Payml the Lords being willing to get all the Infor- 
mation they could about the manner of paying the 
Money so as it may be most advantagious to the 4 
Colonys in General, respecting the fatallity of the 
Great load of the Publick Bills of Credit at present 
circulating amongst them which they want to be 
Satisfied will be called in by degrees and Sunk with 
this money — but as the Agents insist upon the Pay- 
ment of the money down the Lords are a good deal 
puzled about it and are yet come to no certain Re- 
solution although Several Schemes have been laid 
before them ; 

Amongst other Matters it was intimated they sup- 
posed we had proper Authority to receive the Money, 
upon which I produced them my Power signed by 
Governour Green ^ which they read and made no 
objections to it at all so that I find it is Authentick 
enough for the Purpose. I beleive it will not be 
long before we shall know their Resolution how they 
will Act in the Affair. 

In Obedience to the Vote of the House of Repre- 
sentatives^ sent me by Govf Wanton I now send 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 182. 2 Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 226. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 79 

Copys of my acco'.' from the beginning of my Agency 
down to the last Acco' Sent in 1746 which has been 
done with labour and some difficulty — and my Sub- 
sequent account must be deferrd to come hereafter. 

As to Publick News the King remains still at Han- 
nover and well, whose Return we expect in 8^" next, 

it Seems to be the general Opinion of People that 
the Peace will be settled and Concluded now in a 
Short time,^ for the rest I refer to the Prints now 
sent thee and remain with due respects to thy self 
and the Gentlemen of the Council. 

Thy and their Assured Friend, 

Rich? Partridge 

my acco^.^ abovesaid will come to the hands of 
And' Oliver Esq and Co : in Boston to be forwarded 
with the News Papers sent per this Conveyance 

To William Green Esq"" 

Governour of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London fv the 24'!' 1748. 
Govern''. Gree7t, 

My last to thee was of the 1 2^^ Inst? and am yet 
without any of thy favours. 

Agent Bollan for the Massachusets^ has lately 
thrown in a Memorial to the Lords of the Treasury 

1 The peace of England and Holland with France was signed October i8, 1748. 

2 Not in the archives. 

3 See note on p. 36. Bollan was made Advocate-general of Massachusetts after 
Shirley's promotion. 



8o Correspondence of the 

in order to procure payment of the Cape Breton 
money, which they have reder'd to the Attorney 
General together with his Power of Attorney for 
receiving it for the Attorney Genl to make his Re- 
port upon, with respect to the payment and also if 
his Authority is Sufhcient, and at the same time a 
Petition from diverse New England Merchants^ was 
presented to the Board representing (as I understood 
it) the bad State that Country is in by the heavy 
load of Bills of Currency circulating there desiring 
a Stop may be put to the payment of the money till 
that be regulated and Some Method effectuated for 
paying off and Sinking those Bills &c^ which was 
received and read, but what the Lords of Treasury 
will do in Consequence of it is at present altogether 
uncertain. 

As for our ^6332.1 2.10. granted by the Parliament 
on the Same footing, I expect we must fare as all the 
rest do — which was hinted to me some time since 
by the Sec'7 to the Board and at the same time he 
intimated (when I urged the payment of the money) 
that if the New England People did not call in their 
Bills of Credit and Sink them with this money at the 
same rate as the Exch? was then viz : at about 1000 
per C! it wou'd be the errantest Job that ever was. 

I have been thinking therefore that if the Colony 
of Rhode Island woud pass an Act that so much 
of their Bills of Currency shoud be called in and 



1 Meaning, merchants trading to New England. Felt says, " Merchants in London, 
who had commercial relations with ours, petition the Lords of the Treasury that the 
reimbursement for capturing Louisbourg may not be paid to New England until they 
establish the rate for redeeming their bills." Historical Account of Massachusetts 
Currency, p. 119. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Islaiid 8i 

destroyed^ as this money amounted to at the rate 
of the Exch^ above mentioned and send me over the 
Act duly Authenticated empowering me therein at 
the same time to receive the money of the Lords of 
the Treasury or of whom else it may concern and to 
give discharge for the same, least they should hesi- 
tate hereafter at my being empowered by the Gov! 
only, which indeed they have not objected to yet, 
I say if this were done I am apt to think I could 
obtain Payment of the money, and least this Method 
should not have the desired Effect, I would also 
propose that your Governm! should also pass an Act 
empowering the Govl" or some other proper persons 
to draw on the Lords of the Treasury for the said 
money in 2 Bills of Exch^ one for ^4000 and the 
other for the remainder payable to myself as their 
Agent and send me over the Act, and at the same 
time to write a letter of advice of it to the said Lords 
— and when I have them by me I can take the most 
Suitable Method, as I shall be advised, by one near 
that Board on whom I think I can depend — if this 
Course be pursued I dont See but it must be effec- 
tual, all which is humbly Submitted by 
Thy assured Friend, 

Rich? Partridge 

probably it will be objected that the Colony may 
make as much more of their Bills of Credit imedi- 
atly after they have got the Money. 

I should have told thee that Ten days ago the 
Lords of the Treasury proposed to the Agents by 

1 The Assembly called in and destroyed £88,725 in bills of credit, amounting to 
about £8000 sterling. Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 262, 263. 
VOL. II. 



82 Correspondence of the 

a Paper Signed by their Secretary West that we 
should have one third part of the money paid down 
(as granted by ParHament) for which we were to 
give Security in the Exchequer that it shall be duely 
applyed and to account for the Same hereafter, for 
that the Lords of the Treasury apprehend they can- 
not be justified in issuing, without such Security. 

this we look upon to be unreasonable and what 
is not required by the Act and therefore shall not 
comply with it — and probably the said Lords will 
recede from their Proposal. 

R. P. 

definitive Treaty of Peace not yet Signed 

To William Green Esqf 

Governour of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 9''" the [24-30] 1 748 
Governour Green 

In my last to thee of the 5*?* Inst, per Cap* Rich- 
ards I advised thee that the Lords of the Treasury 
had referrd the Affair of the Cape Breton money to 
the Kings Attorney and Solf Gen'! who were to con- 
sider it and make their Report, accordingly they sent 
for the four New England Agents as also notice was 
given to the New England Merchants who had Peti- 
tioned against the money being paid till some Regu- 
lation shoud be fixed respecting the Bills of Currency 
circulating there or to that Effect — and accordingly 



Colojzial Governors of Rhode Island 83 

the Agents with several of the Petitioners attended 
accordingly the i^^^ Inst, and after a pretty deal of 
Arguing upon the Subject Matter we withdrew and 
we must wait for the Result of the Attorney and 
Solicitor General which they are to Report to the 
Lords of the Treasury which I dont hear is yet done, 
but by what I observed it will be much of this Nature 
Viz* That the Lords of the Treasury shoud pay the 
respective Sums of Money granted by Parliam! into 
the Bank of England with the Consent of the sev- 
eral Agents, there to remain till their Constituants 
shoud send over a Satisfactory acco' to the Treasury 
respecting the Application and disposition of it, 

But of this I cannot be certain off till we see their 
Report as aforesaid, Our Authoritys were also exam- 
ined, whether the Powers we had for receiving the 
money were Authentick for that Purpose — and sev- 
eral of them were objected to, but as to mine they 
made no manner of hisitation about, but seemed to 
allow it to be good and Sufficient. 

it is strongly Suggested and I believe intended 
that at the next Sessions of Parliam' endeavours 
will be used to have an Act passed to Regulate or 
prevent the Emitting of Paper Bills of Credit in 
the Plantations, be pleased therefore to let me have 
Instructions how to Act therein, in the mean time 
I shall exert my Endeavours to Vindicate the Rights 
and Priviledges of our Charter 

xber 2? 

Since writing the foregoing the Attorney and Sol"" 
General have made their Report to the Lords of the 
Treasury a Copy whereof comes inclosed,^ thou wilt 

1 See following document. 



84 Correspondence of the 

See by it that they have represented our Case in the 
most favourable Light of any of the Agents but as 
yet I cannot say what the Lords of the Treasury will 
do about it till I apply again, in my next I expect 
to be able to give thee a further Account. 

The King got Safe home the 22*! Ult. and the Par- 
liament met the 29*!? when the King made a Speech 
to them which I send thee with the News Papers to 
Ay Oliver of Boston. I am with due respects 
Thy assured Friend. 

RichP Partridge 

To William Green Esqy 

Governour of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



REPORT OF THE ATTORNEY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL.^ 

Copy of the Kings Attorney and Sol! Generals Report to the Lords of 
the Treasury on their Referrence Concerning the Money granted 
the 4 N : E : Governm'.' by Parliam! viz' 

To the Right Honourable Lords Comnff of his Ma- 

jestys Treasury. 
May it please your Lordships 

In pursuance of your Lordships desire signified 
to Us by My West in his Letter of the 21^.' of Oct' 
last, Representing that your Lordships having had 
under Consideration the paym* of the several Sums 
granted by Parliam* last Session to reimburse the 
several Provinces and Colonies in North America the 

1 Enclosed with letter of November [24-30], 1747. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 85 

Expences they have been at in taking and Secur- 
ing Cape Breton to which Paym! your L'? Ships were 
very desirous of giving all proper dispatch ; And 
that the Agents for the said Colonys, on the one 
hand having applyed for the immediate Payment of 
the said Sums, and produced Copy's of the Powers 
under which they Claim the Same ; And the Mer- 
chants Trading to New England having on the 
other hand, Offered Reasons in a Memorial against 
Such Paym* and that your Lordships not being well 
Satisfied that what the Agents call their Powers are 
Sufficient Authority's on which Such large Sums 
may legally be issued, as well by Reason of the dates 
of Some of them being Antecedent to the Grants, as 
because they do not Appear to be derived from legal 
Acts of the General Assemblys, Your LordShips 
were pleased to transmit the said Several Memorials 
and Powers to Us to take the same into Considera- 
tion together with the Votes of the House of Com- 
mons and Clause of Appropriation, And to desire 
our Opinion whether these Powers are such as do 
oblige or will in Law Sufficiently justify your Lord- 
Ships to Issue the Sums without Acco*, to the Agents 
respectively ; Especially as the Agent of the Principal 
Province has refused to give Security for Answer- 
ing the Trust in him reposed and Accounting in the 
Exchequer for the Same. 

We have taken the said Several Papers into Con- 
sideration (all which are herewith return 'd to your 
LordShips) and have been Attended by the respec- 
tive Agents, and by some of the Petitioners in the 
Petition of the New England Merchants to whom 



86 Correspondence of the 

we thought it Proper to give Notice of this Refer- 
ence. 

As to the Powers to M' BoUan from the Massa- 
chusets Bay, and to M! Palmer from Connecticutt 
they are only Votes of Assembly ; But as they have 
no Letter of Attorney under the Seal of the Provinces 
who are Corporate Body's by Charter from the Crown 
and cannot regularly make Attorneys but under 
their Common Seal, We are of Opinion that those 
Gentlemen are not properly Authorized for that pur- 
pose. And tho' general Agents have been some- 
times made by Votes of Assembly, and Such Agents 
have Acted on the foot of Such Authoritys, which 
have been Acquiese't yet in a Matter relating to the 
Revenue, and issuing large Sums of Publick money 
given by Act of Parliament, out of his Majestys 
Treasury We conceive nothing should be done but 
according to the Strict Rules of Law. Nor do we 
think that the giving Security, if offered, for due 
accounting for the Money Would be a Sufficient 
ground to dispence with those Rules in the present 
Case 

With respect to M' Partridges Power from Rhode 
Island ; As he produced to Us an Authority under 
the Seal of the Province (a Copy of which was sent 
to Us from your Lordships) We are of Opinion Your 
Lordships may be well Justified in paying him the 
Sum Appropriated by the said Act to Rhode Island, 
upon his giving a proper Receipt, and leaving with 
your LordShips his said Power. 

However as the Merchants of New England have 
by their Petition Represented the inconveniences 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island S'j 

arising from the Paper Credit given in that Province 
as well as in the Massachusets Bay, and desired the 
Payment of these Sums might wait, till it be seen, 
what Steps woud be taken there, to redress that 
Grievance ; M'' Partridge acquainted Us, that he was 
willing the Money Appropriated to Rhode Island 
might be placed in the Bank till further Instructions 
from his Province. 

As to New Hampshire, It appearing from an Ex- 
tract of Cap' Thomlinsons Letter to M\ West, which 
he likewise confirmed to Us, that he cannot produce 
at present either the Original or a Copy of his Power, 
and representing such Power as he has to be only 
a general Power of Agency not adapted to his Par- 
ticular Purpose, We are of Opinion Your Lordships 
cannot be Justified in issuing to him the Money 
given to that Province, tho' from his Character and 
general Sense of the Merchants, We dont conceive 
any doubt of his being their general Agent. 
All which is humbly Submitted to 

Your Lordships great Judgment 

D. Ryder 
W. Murray 

23* Nov' 1748. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London Xber. t7th 1748. 
Governour Green 

Since I writ thee last which was of the 2^^ Inst, 
when I sent thee a Copy of the Kings Attorney and 

1 See the preceding letter. 



88 Correspondence of the 

Sol' Generals Report to the Lords of the Treasury* 
I have exhibited my Memorial to the said Lords 
Soliciting for the Payment of the ^6332.12.10. for our 
Expence Granted by Parliament towards the taking 
and Securing Cape Breton of which Memorial I 
herewith send thee a Copy^ and have thereupon 
been called in before them urging what further 
occurrd to me for the Payment, but the Chancelor 
of the Exchequer altho', he owned my being duly 
Authorized to receive it Agreeable to the Attorney 
and Solicitor Gen'f Opinion, yet intimated that the 
money was as Safe in the Exchequer as in the Bank 
of England and that probably something wou'd be 
moved in this Sessions of Parliament touching that 
Matter and that till then they had come to a Reso- 
lution to Suspend the payment — in Short accord- 
ing to my apprehension they seem determined to fix 
upon Something to regulate the Affair relating to 
Paper Currency in the Plantations before the money 
be paid. 

Govern"; Shirley hath lately writ to that Board con- 
cerning the Accounts of the Expence attending the 
Canada Expedition in the Several Governments in 
the Plantations and perticularly respecting Rhode 
Island and Connecticutt as if some part of the 
Charges was proper to be disallowed ^ but hath not 
sent over the accounts yet. The Lords took no 

1 See the preceding letter. 

2 See the following document. 

8 See Shirley's letter to Wanton, November 24, 1747, 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 89 

Notice to me hitherto of what he has writ, and 
whether they will or not is uncertain I am 
Thy assured Friend 

RP Partridge 
To William Green Esqf 

Governour and Commander in Chief of the 
Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plan- 
tations 

New England 



MEMORIAL OF RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO THE LORDS OF THE 

TREASURY.^ 

To the Lords Comnf' of The Treasury 

The Memorial of Richard Partridge Agent for the 
Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 
in New England Humbly Sheweth That Several 
Merchants and others Trading to New England had 
lately by their Memorial to your Board represented 
the inconveniences that the several Provinces of that 
Country laboured under on account of the large 
quantitys of Paper Bills of Credit circulating there, 
praying that the money granted by Act of Parlia- 
ment for the taking and Securing to the Crown of 
Great Britain the Island of Cape Breton and its 
dependencys may not be issued until some Effectual 
Measures be taken there for establishing an equitable 
Rule for discharging their said Bills of Credit &c^ 
and that you were pleased to referr the Considera- 
tion of their said Memorial to the Kings Attor"7 and 

1 Enclosed with letter of December 17, 1748. 



90 Correspondence of the 

Soil" Gen! together with the Several Powers or Au- 
thority's of the respective Agents of the said Pro- 
vinces for receiving the Summs granted us aforesaid 
for their Opinion thereupon. 

That your Memorialist is informed that the said 
Attorney and Solicitor Genl have made their Report 
upon your Order of Referrence to them wherein they 
have Signified that they have taken the said Several 
Papers into Consideration and after having been 
attended by the Agents as well as by the Merch*.^ 
Petitioners in the Opposition, Reported respecting 
your Memoriallist that the Money Appropriated by 
the said Act for the said Colony of Rhode Island 
may be safely paid him upon his giving a proper 
Receipt and leaving with you his Power. But that 
in Consideration of the Reasons therein alleged your 
Memorialist offered that the said Money Appropri- 
ated to Rhode Island might be placed in the Bank 
till further Instructions from the said Colony. That 
the Sum granted by the Appropriating Act is Six 
thous^ three hundred and thirty two Pounds Twelve 
shill.^ and lo pence. 

Wherefore your Memoriallist Humbly prays that 
you would be pleased to give directions that the said 
Sum of ^6332.12.10. may be placed in the Bank of 
England accordingly on Your Memoriallists giving 
a proper Receipt and leaving with you his Power 
of Attorney for receiving the same, and the said 
money there to remain till Your Memoriallist shall 
receive further Instructions from his said Colony 
All which is humbly Submitted 

R. P. 

London. Dec! the 5* 1748. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 91 

PETER BOURS AND OTHERS TO RICHARD PARTRIDGE.^ 

Newport June iS'"" 1749. 

Sir, 

The Letters I have lately rec^ from You with that 
directed to the Committee who disposed of the Ster- 
ling Money on your hands have been communicated 
to the General Assembly; who have ordered me to 
inform You that on examining the Accounts of your 
Agency, they find four hundred Pounds sterling 
charged November 21^' i744- as a Reserve in your 
Hands for future Services, for which they judge You 
ought to have given Credit, inasmuch as all the Ex- 
pences from that Time to this which you have been 
at on the Colony's Behalf are charged in your several 
Accounts, the Article of Eighty two pounds Sterling 
charged as a Loss on the Bills of Exchange you 
drew payable to Mess'.' Oliver and Phillips, the As- 
sembly expect a further Explanation of the Equity 
and Reasonableness of before they can readily allow 
it, and as to the Article of Commissions for negotiat- 
ing the Affair of the money advanced by this Gov- 
ernment for the Canada Expedition, they have voted 
You two per Cent for receiving the same ; as they 
have also an hundred Pounds Sterling as a Gratuity 
for your extraordinary Trouble respecting the Bound- 
ary Line between the Province of the Massachusetts 
Bay and this Colony, the Remainder of your Account 
seems to meet with Approbation. 

You have herewith Sufficient Power to qualify you 

1 See note of Assembly appointing the committee, and giving instructions as above. 
Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 267. This and the two following documents are printed as one 
letter in the Records, V. 270. 



92 Correspondence of the 

in Behalf of the Government to receive the money 
we have advanced for paying the Officers and Sol- 
diers rais'd for the Canada Expedition together with 
attested Copies of the muster Roles and the Oaths 
of the Committee who received the money from the 
Government to pay the Same, and doubt not as it 
was expended at the Request of the duke of New- 
Castle in Behalf of the Crown that we shall on your 
application be immediately reimbursed. 

As to M"^ Lockman's Petition ^ relating [to] the 
naval office We doubt not but that the two Acts of 
Parliam* made in King Charles 2^ and King Wil- 
liam's Reigns relating to said Office will sufficiently 
vindicate the Colony's Conduct in rejecting his Pa- 
tent, and as to his Aspersions so liberally cast on 
Us, was his Character as well known in London as 
it is in Rhode-Island he would not have Access to 
any publick Board to spread his false Reports which 
it is obvious are only the Result of his Disappoint- 
ment. 

Peter Bours 

Jos : Whipple Jun^ 

Tho Cranston 



GOVERNOR GREENE TO RICHARD PARTRIDGE. 

[June 18, 1 749-] 

We are surprised at Governor Shirley's writing as 
You inform Us he has to the Lords of the Treasury,^ 

1 See vol i. pp. 227, 233, notes. 2 gee Partridge's letter of December 17, 1748. 



Colonial Governors of RJiode Island 93 

You have been informed that the chiefest Part of 
the Charge of the Transports and Provisions in our 
Accounts was owing to the Attempt We made of suc- 
couring Nova Scotia at the pressing Instance of M"" 
Shirley in Conjunction with Admiral Warren ^ and 
in Obedience to his Majesty's Instructions to this 
Colony anno 1 745 ^ Copies of which You have here- 
with to support those Articles, We are pers waded on 
strict Enquiry You will find that all the Expence the 
Province of the Massachusetts was at on the same 
Occasion and at that very Time has been by their 
Governor charged to the Crown and very likely paid 
to them before now, and as Admiral Warren was in 
Newport when our Forces Sailed for Anapolis and 
assured Us he would serve the Government whenever 
in his Power the Gen! Assembly have ordered me to 
address him for his friendly Assistance ^ in this Case 
and to desire him to declare before the Board who will 
enquire into these Charges in our Accounts, what he 
knows of the Conduct of the Colony relating to that 
Undertakingr, inclosed is a Letter to him for that 
Purpose which You are to wait on him and to deliver 
your self if he be in London. And to inform him 
of the Difficulties We are under and to solicit his kind 
Interposition to serve Us as far as may be consistent 
with Justice which no Doubt he will readily do. 
I am 

Y' Friend and most humble Serv' 

1 See letter in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 192. 

2 Col. Rec. ofR. I., V. 132, 162. 

3 Col. Rec. of R. /.,V. 268. 



94 Correspondence of the 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RICHARD PARTRIDGE.^ 

As to the Bill in Parliament relating to the Paper 
Currency, the Assembly expect You will Strenuously 
oppose it, since should it pass into a Law it would 
annihilate all the Legislative Power granted to this 
Colony in their Charter, and as we judge that we 
have not acted any Thing to forfeit those Priviledges 
We hope on an impartial Consideration we shall not 
be Stripped of them, the Multiplicity of the Paper 
Bills emitted by New-England ought to be considered 
as owing in a great Degree to the Expeditions the 
Lihabitants have ingaged in for his Majesty's Ser- 
vice, Witness the Undertaking in 1710. to reduce 
Port-Royal and Canada which first gave Occasion for 
Striking off Bills of Credit and Witness the remark- 
able Cape Breton Exploit which procured such an 
Inundation of them from the Province of the Massa- 
chusett's Bay which has overwhelm'd that Province 
and the other Governments of New England. Also 
and we would observe that all the Money allowed us 
on Ace! of the Canada Expedition has been appro- 
priated to the Sinking the whole Amount thereof in 
Bills emitted by this Colony as will also that which 
is granted us by Parliament for the Cape Breton 
Undertaking as soon as You shall have received it 

June 16, 1749. 

In the House of Mag"?'^ June i6, 1749. 

Gen. 

Resolv'd that a Letter be drawn agreeable to this 
in Substance and Signd by his Hon!" the Gov! and 

1 Enclosed with preceding letter [June 18]. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 95 

Sent to the Agent and there with be Sent the Copy 
of the Entry of Burning the Money at the last Ses- 
sions of Assembly in Providence ^ and also the Act 
Impowering the Gov!" to draw Bills for what is due 
to the Colony for what the Colony paid to the Soldiers 
raisd for the Canada Expedition ^ 
Voted and past 

per ord' J Lyndon Cler 

Read and Concurred w'^ per ord^ Thos Ward 
Secretary. 



SECRETARY WILLARD TO THOMAS WARD.^ 

Boston December iS'.*" 1749. 

Sir. 

Your Letter of the 21^.* September came to my 
Hands soon after the Date, together with the Petition 
of James Mussey and the Order of your Governm* 
upon it.*^ You ask me to lay the Papers before the 
General Court of this Province, which then stood 
prorogued to the 22^! Day of November, and your 
Assembly having appointed so short a Day as the 
9'!" of October for the Commissioners of both Govern- 
ments to meet together to run the Line, it was not 
possible there should be a Compliance on the Part 
of this Government. I forgot to lay your Letter be- 
fore the Court at the beginning of the Sessions, nor 
had I ever communicated the Contents of it to any 
of the Members, otherwise you would have receiv'd 

1 Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 262. 2 Col. Rec. ofR. /., V. 269. 

8 Secretary for Rhode Island. * See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 274. 



96 Correspondence of the 

an Answer before this Time ; It was meer forget- 
fulness that caus'd this neglect, And I hope it will 
the more readily be excus'd, as the Day propos'd 
by you for running the Line had been pass'd Six 
Weeks before the General Court of this Province 
could meet : As soon as I laid your Letter before 
the Court, viz* on the I4*^ Ins? they appointed a Com- 
mittee to consider what was proper to be done, and 
the next Day the Committee reported, That it was 
their Opinion your Proposal should be complyed 
with, so far as in the Nature of it is practicable, which 
Report has been accepted ; And I am now directed 
to inform you that the General Court are always dis- 
posed to do every Thing in their Power to preserve 
and establish a good Harmony with the Neighbour- 
ing Governments, and look upon all Agreements 
made with them for the Settlement of their Bounda- 
ries to be sacred and inviolable, and as often as shall 
be convenient are willing to renew and re-establish 
all Stations or Marks to prevent any uncertainty or 
Doubt concerning the same ; and had they known 
your proposal a sufficient Time before the Day ap- 
pointed by you for running the Line, they would 
have appointed Commissioners to join with yours ; 
And now they have done all that is possible for them 
to do, and have appointed John Chandler Joseph 
Dwight and John Otis Esq? with full Power to Join 
with the Commissioners already appointed, or such 
others as may hereafter be appointed by the Govern- 
ment of Rhode Island with full Power to run and 
renew the Southern Boundary Line according to the 
Settlement of said Line by both Governments made 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 97 

and agreed to the I9*^ January 17^^ the first Meet- 
ing of said Commissioners to be at the House of 
in Wrentham on the Day of next 

with Power to agree upon any other Time or Place 
for any future Meetings, if they shall be found neces- 
sary. And I am to desire your Answer thereto ac- 
cordingly/ 

I am Sir 

Your very humble Servant 

J. WiLLARD. Secry 

P S. The Commissioners for this Governm' above- 
mentioned being just now appointed, have had no 
Oportunity of determining upon the Time and Place 
of Meeting ; of which I shall inform you by the first 
Conveyance. 

To Thomas Ward Esq 

Secretary of the Colony of Rhode Island 
At Newport. 



RICHARD partridge TO THE GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND. 

London i" month or March 17*.'' 17^ 

To the Gov'', ajid Comp": of Rhode Island &cf. 

I wrote my last to Gov^ Green of the I6'^ Ult? 
whereto I refer: Since which the Board of Trade 
have made their Report to the Lords of the Trea- 
sury on the Several Colony Acco'.' of Expence, on 
the designed Canada Expedition which being liqui- 

1 See Col. Rec. of R.. /, V. 281. The Rhode Island commissioners had already 
been over the line, but voted, in February, 1750, that commissioners appointed by the 
governor should run the line in company with the Massachusetts commissioners. 

VOL. 11. 



98 Correspondence of the 

dated and adjusted, have carried the respective Total 
Sums into Parliam' whereof I have obtained an ab- 
stracted Copy of the whole which comes inclosed, 
but of New Jersey Rhode Island ^ and Connecticut, 
I have got a more perticular Acco^ as appears therein : 
wherein I find they were bent on Saving to the Crown 
by making large abatements, notwithstanding the 
just and Reasonable Arguments urged in my Reply 
to Gov' Shirleys Observations, so that you will see 
the Total Sum adjudged to Rhode Island for the 
whole Expence of Arming, Cloath^ Pay and all 
amounts to no more than £'J^o'j : 4 : 3| which is 
^2637 : 5 : 2^ less than I have rec^; which last Sum 
I expect will be deducted out of the ^6332 . 12 . 10 
Cape Briton Money when they are pleased to make 
Payment,^ which I think is very Arbitrary, but I 
know of no Remedy but Patience; the other Col- 
onies have Suffered also very largely perticularly in 
the Connecticutt Acco\^ they have cutt off one half of 
the Pay of the Officers and Soldiers for the last 1 2 
months and of their Acco'.' for Arming and Cloathing 
abo* ;^i83i Str? out of £6j()6.i'^ . ^ and the Sum 
of ^8825 .6.6. Str? for Transports, Billetting and 
Bounty is all disallowed save about ^80 Str? for a 
few Particular Articles therein, and as to what Sums 
are adjust^ and brought in, it's expected the House 
will Soon agree to pretty quickly, but when the Money 
will be paid is something uncertain : nothing done 
this Sessions of Parliament relating to Paper Cur- 
rency and as to the Iron Bill depend? in the House 

1 The Rhode Island account is enclosed. 

2 This was done. See letter of August lo, and the enclosed correspondence between 
Partridge and the Lords of Trade. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 99 

of Commons,^ I am now apt to think there will be 
hardly time for its passing there is such Strong Op- 
position to it from Several Countys in this Kingdom : 
and the Parliam* to rise, (as they Say) pretty Soon. 
I am Thy assured Fr*^ 

RiCH° Partridge 

Since the foregoing the Iron Bill seems likely to 
pass. 

To The Governour and Company of the Colony 
of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 

Account of Charges in the Intended Canada Expedition.^ 

Rhode Island 

To the Charge of 3 Companys consisting of 100 Men 
each raised in this Colony for the intended Ex- 
ped° against Canada from the day of each Offi- 
cers entering into the Service or private Soldiers 
Enlistm*.' commencing in June 1746. to the day 
of the discharge of the s*^ 3 Companys on the 
31. of Octo' 1747 _ _ _ _ -4081. 9.3 

To cloathing of the said Three Companys - - 974 . 2.8 
To Arms and Amunition for the Said 3 Compa^ - 340 . 14 . 5^ 
To Provisions for the S** 3 Companys when they em- 
barked for Nova Scotia _ _ _ _ 684 . (> . \ 

To the hire of Transpo*f taken up to carry the S"! 
Detachm* to Nova Scotia and for sund^ Dis- 
burstm'" thereon ------ 133^ .18.7 

To the Wages of a Doctor for the said 3 Companys 86 . 13 . 4 



Total paid ;^75o7 • 4 • 3i 
as per the L*^.' of Trades Report : Over paid 2637 . 5.2^ 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 313, 314. The Act of 1750 for encouraging the importa- 
tion of pig and bar iron from America prohibited the erection in the colonies of any 
slitting or rolling mills, plating forges, or steel furnaces. It practically interdicted all 
production of iron save the raw material, which the London market was unable to 
absorb. Bishop, History of American Manufactures, I. 491. 

2 Enclosed in letter of March 17, \^\%. 



LofC. 



lOO Correspondence of the 

Endorsed : Acco! of the Sums of the SevJ Colonies Expence 
incurrd in the intend^ Expedition ag'.' Canada w''' were carr"^ into 
Parliam? Obtained from the H° Comf 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO THE GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND. 

London 3d month or May 12'^ 1750. 
To the Goif. and Company of the Colony of Rhode 

Island 

My last to the Governr was of the 17th ist month; * 
Since which I have reef none from Gov' Greene. 
As to what is due to the Colony on the Ballance of 
the Cape Breton money I have not been able to get 
hitherto, tho' frequently Solicited for it, neither is it 
certain when it will be paid — but yet I have ac- 
cepted his Bills lately drawn on me which have been 
presented as I wrote him in my last, some whereof 
being due are paid, only one of ^202. to Darius 
Sessions which I offered to accept at 3 months and 
pay the Interest for the time. I dont know but it 
will be complyed with. I have also accepted one 
some time since of ^200. Payable as I think to Jos : 
Lee which had not been return 'd. 

The Parliament was prorogued the 12'^ Ult. and 
about 4 days after that, the King set out for Han- 
nover where he is safe arrived leaving the Affairs of 
the Kingdom to the Lords Justices as usual, his 
Speech thou wilt find in the Magazine herewith sent. 
The acts passed this Sessions relating to the Planta- 

^ See the preceding letter. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island loi 

tions are the Iron Act ^ and one for Encouraging the 
Growth and Culture of Raw Silck^ — the former of 
which I also send — and nothing done as to Paper 
Currency. 

The Ministry continues without much alteration, 
only it is said for Certain that the Duke of Dorset 
who is at present President of the Council will about 
Sepf next be appointed Lord Lieut! of Ireland and 
Some think the Duke of Bedford will be President 
in his Room and Lord Sandwich Sec^ of State : for 
further News I refer to the Prints, and remain 
Thy Friend 

RP Partridge 

I have sent a Packet for thee with prints to Andf 
Oliver & Co. to be forwarded to thee per a private 
hand 

To The Governour and Company of the Colony of 
Rhode Island Providence Plantations 



THE LORDS OF TRADE TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY 
OF RHODE ISLAND. 

Whitehall, July 19'." 1750. 
Gentlemen, 

It being in general necessary for His Majesty's 

Service and for the Benefit of the Plantations, that 

1 See note to preceding letter ; also a letter of the Duke of Bedford and one of 
Thomas Hill, secretary to the Lords of Trade, in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 314. 

2 A bill was passed in the sessions of 1750 for the encouragement of silk culture in 
South Carolina and Georgia, by admitting the colonial product into England duty 
free. 



I02 Correspondence of the 

the Limits or Boundaries of the British Colonies on 
the Continent of America should be distinctly known, 
more particularly so far as they border on the Set- 
tlements made by the French or any foreign nation 
in America, We desire you to send Us with all posi- 
ble dispatch the best account you can, of the Bound- 
aries of His Majesty's Colony of Rhode Island under 
your Government, together with a Chart or Map 
thereof, all the best Accounts and Vouchers you can 
obtain to support the same, and more particularly 
with relation to any Settlements that may have been 
made by the English on the Frontiers towards the 
Lakes and Mountains. We at the same time recom- 
mend to you to inform Us whether the Subjects of 
any foreign Prince have made any and what En- 
croachments on the Colony of Rhode Island under 
your Government, and at what Period : Nor can you 
be too exact in stating every particular in the History 
of whatever Encroachments have been made, which 
may serve to place the Proceedings in a true light, 
and confute any Right which may at any time be 
founded upon them. So We bid you heartily fare- 
well, and are 

Your very loving Friends and humble Servants, 

Dunk Halifax 
J. Grenville 
Charles Townshend 

Governor and Company of Rhode Island. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 103 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE, 

London 6 month or Aug" 10'." : 1750 
Golf. Greene 

My last to thee was of the 9'^ 4'.'' mo : to which I 
refer having not Since received any of thy favours, 
This comes now to acquaint thee that I have at 
length received the Cape Breton money from the 
Treasury out of which they stopt what they appre- 
hended had been over paid in the Canada Expedition 
money ^ agreeable to the Board of Trades Report 
as I heretofore wrote thee, notwithstanding the Re- 
monstrances Exhibited : a Copy of which Report ^ 
at full length I have obtained and send thee here- 
with which Report the Lords of the Treasury woud 
not deviate from being bent as it should Seem on 
Savings to the Crown how reasonable so ever our 
Representations ^ may have been for which there was 
no remedy and which was the Case of other Colonys 
also — and having paid thy Bills on me I herewith 
also send my acco! the Ballance due to the Colony 
being in which acco! I have charged ^300 : 

as thou wilt see for my Extraordinary Trouble in 
the Boundary Affair* for what the Gov' then for the 
time being gave me Expectation I should be con- 
sidered in, which I hope the Colony will Judge but 
reasonable considering the abundance of Trouble I 
had in it and with what faithfulness I exerted my 
self. 

Inclosed I have remitted thee my Bill of ;^200 : 

1 See letter of March 17, 1750, 2 Not in the archives. 

3 See the three following documents. * See letter of June 18, 1749. 



I04 Correspondence of the 

Sterl: on Jos : Wanton and of ^85 on Walter Chal- 
loner which I doubt not will be complyed with, and 
are charged in my acco' 

To William Green Esq!; 

Governour of Rhode Island and Providence 
Plantations. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.* 

To the Lords Comss^'f for Trade and Plantations. 

The humble Representation of Richard Partridge 
Agent for the Colony of Rhode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations 

In Reply to the Objections of Gov' Shirley to the 
Said Colonys Acco* of the Expence occurr'd in their 
raising, Subsisting, Arming and Cloathing 300 Men 
for the intended Expedition against Canada, and 
after the said Expedition was laid aside, for hire 
&c^ of Transports for carrying them to Annapolis 
Royal and for the Charge of their Sloop of war for 
convoying the Same &c^ 

Obj"to the I'.* Article; That the Charge 
of ^1644.5.10^ is irregular &c^ andaltho' 
charged to the Crown, the people are 
taxed for it and ought to be disallowed. ;^ 1644.5. 10 

Obj° to the 2^ Article; That of the 
£^\^^ no more than ;^2555.8.4 ought to 
be allowed, because the remainder was 

1 Enclosed with letter of August lo, 1750. 

2 Colonial currency. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 105 

for beds, Tents, Blankets &c^ and is part 
of those Expences for which the people 
were taxed, and therefore the said Gov- 
ernor proposes to abate. 2928.11. 8 

The 3^ Article is allowed. 

Obj" 4".' That of ^13722.2.8. for Trans- 
ports for carrying the Forces to Louis- 
bourg and Quebeck in Canada, and after- 
wards when that design was over were 
employed about carrying them to Annap- 
olis Royal, so much as this fourth Article 
as arrises upon the Acco! of the Canada 
Expedition, viz! ^5066.14.6 he proposes 
should be disallowed as an overcharge in 
the hire of the said Transports, for that 
says the Governor it was expressly recom- 
mended by his Majesty to be provided 
at the Expence of those Goverm'^ &c* 
and therefore would have abated the said 
Sum of 5066.14. 6 

Obj" 5'!' That the Expence of the Tar- 
ter Sloop of War that Convoyed the said 
Transports on their Voyage, is a ground- 
less charge and to be wholly disallowed 
in as much as it was a Standing Expence 
to them in Time of War, and which they 
wou'd have been at, if there had been 
no Expedition ; and for that also Armed 
Vessels were recommended by his Ma- 
jesty to be provided at the Expence of the 
Colony, and that there was no occasion 
for a Convoy &c^ 12674.13. 6 



io6 Correspondence of the 

Obj" 6*?^ That out of ^2 184. 1.3 for Ex- 
pences at Marthas Vineyard its propos'd 
to be abated ^1000 as being Charged 
without just Foundation 1000. 

Obj" f^ That of /2 169. 16.5 Charged 
for Physicians, Surgeons and Medicines 
for the Sick Soldiers, and necessary fu- 
neral Charges ; because great part ought 
to have been provided for by Stoppages 
from the mens pay, as was done by Levys 
in the Massachusetts Bay : and recom- 
ended by Govern!" Shirley and therefore 
proposed to abate out of this Article 1485. 6. 5 

Obj" 8'.^ The Article for Cloathing al- 
lowed 

" 9^'' for Additional Cloathing al- 
lowed 

" 10^.'^ That this Article for Billet- 
ting the 3 Companys was recomended by 
his Majesty to be provided (Says the Gov- 
ernor) at the Expence of the Colony and 
Complyed with by them, and that it ap- 
pears to be done by the Act of Assem- 
bly : so the Government of Rhode Island 
ought not to be allowed for it 8984. 8. 1 1 

1 1*!" That this Article Charged likewise 
for Billetting of Soldiers to be disallowed 
for the same Reason 2091.16. 7 

Which sum of ^35875.17.5 Currency 
at 750 per C' amol' to Ster? ^4783.9.0, 

.^35875-i7- 5 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 107 

N. B. The Sum of ;^io63.6.8.1 Sterl? advanced 
and 392.7 J in part of pay, 
not taken notice of in the Adjustment. 

To which Objections the said Agent replys, 

As to the i^.' — That they are represented as part 
of those Expences for which the people of the Colony 
are taxed, — he humbly conceives they are no other- 
wise taxed than by Emitting paper Bills of Credit, 
which were to be Called in, paid off, and destroy 'd 
by the said Colony at Certain Periods of Time ; but 
before the Expiration thereof they well hoped to be 
repaid their Said Expenses by the Crown, with which 
they would answer that purpose, and which indeed 
they have already begun to do by an Act passed in 
the month of Octobr 1 748.^ out of the money already 
paid by the Lords of the Treasury : a Copy of which 
Act is hereunto annexed and consequently the Tax 
does not fall on the people. 

S'.*" — To the abatements in the 5'^ Article relating 
to the Expences charged for their Tartar Sloop of 
War the Convoy to the Transports — 

It is humbly hoped, that will not be judged to 
have been an unnecessary Expence, in a time of 
War, but that it would have been looked upon un- 
safe and imprudent for the Colony to have ventured 
the sending away of the Transports without Convoy ; 
That the General Assembly of the said Colony did 
by their Vote and Resolve on the 24*^ of Octo'^ 1 746.^ 
order that an express should be sent to Admiral 



1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 262, where the act is referred to as having been passed 
in October, 1 74S, although no record of it is printed under that session's record. 

2 Col. Rec. ofR. I., V. 193. 



io8 Correspondence of the 

Warren and Gov! Shirley, to know what Convoy was 
to proceed with the said Forces, and ordered their 
Sloop of War, and Transports to Joyn them ; That 
Admiral Warren happened to be afterwards at Rhode 
Island when they sailed and its presumed actually 
agreed and approved of the said Sloop Tartar going 
as Convoy, she being doubtless fitted out with more 
Expence for that Voyage than otherwise wou'd have 
been, and as this was their only Warlike Vessel to 
protect their Trade, their own Coast was left un- 
guarded, and their Trade by Sea in the mean time 
exposed to the Enemy, the said Colony were actu- 
ally at the Expence charged in their Acco'.' for the 
Same and which is Sworn to by the Commissary. 

And the said Agent humbly hopes that the said 
Article will not be disallowed more Especially for 
that the Undertaking for Succouring Nova Scotia 
was at the pressing Instances of Gov.' Shirley in 
Conjunction with Admiral Warren, with the latter 
of whom the Gov^ of said Colony was to advise in 
that respect upon all occasions that might arise, as 
appears by the order of 3^ JanY 174!^ which the said 
Govf reef from the Secre*?' of State by the Kings 
Command ; and for that also that the said Gov!" rec^ 
a letter dated 14'?" Octoy 1746^ from said Admiral 
Warren and Governor Shirley, intimating the great 
Danger that the Fortress of Annapolis Royal and 
the whole Province of Nova Scotia was in, unless 
Succours were imeadately sent to them, and that 
the Preservation of the said Province was of the 
utmost Consequence for his Majestys Interest &c* 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 132. 2 Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 192. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 109 

and therefore most earnestly urges the Sending for- 
ward the 300 Rhode Island Forces without loss of 
time. Which the said Colony in Obedience to the 
Kings Command and the Order rec"! from Admiral 
Warren and Gov!" Shirley as aforesaid readily Com- 
plyed with accordingly. 

To the 6'^ Article out of ^2184.1.3 Govr Shirley 
proposes an abatem! of ;^iooo, without Giving any 
other reason for it, than that so much was charged 
therein ; without just foundation, without pointing out 
which of the Particulars are wrong charged : it is 
impossible to answer an objection in such General 
Terms, and therefore it is hoped will have less weight 
in the Consideration of it. 

To the 7'^ Article the said Agent apprehends that 
the Expence was absolutely needfull as the greatest 
part of it was for the preservation of the Mens lives, 
with other necessary charges and its Suprizing that 
such a provision should be objected to, when the 
money was doubtless all justly expended and paid 
as Sworn to by the Commissary. 

There was all possible care taken in this Article 
(as the Governor of the said Colony writes) but the 
Expence was unavoidable, as these Forces were not 
Regimented, and So no Chiurgeon upon the Kings 
Establishment, and Sickness rageing very much 
amongst them ; they at first made use of Doctors 
occasionally but finding that very Chargable were 
obliged to Contract with one by the Month, who 
Continued a whole Year in the Service : the Gov- 
ern! finding all medicines which are excessive dear 
in that Country. 



no Correspondence of the 

To the 4*^ Io'^ and ii'!' Articles which are princi- 
pally for Billetting, Maintain? and Supporting the said 
300 Men, raised by the said Colony and for the hire 
of Transports for the Expedition against Canada. 

The said Agent replys, That the said Forces were 
raised persuant to the Royal Instructions of the 
thing Signified to the Govr of Rhode Island, by 
Letter from the SecrY of State dated 9*^ Apl 1 746 ^ 
who were thereby directed to Raise as many men as 
the Shortness of the time wou'd permit ; who were 
to enter imeadately into the Kings pay, and to pro- 
vide proper Transports for Carrying the said Forces 
to the place of Rendezvous and provisions for their 
Subsistance, and to furnish them with Arms, Cloath- 
ing and other necessarys for the said Expedition, 
and to provide as many Armed Vessels as could be 
got to be employed therein. 

And as the said Agent has been informed the said 
Colony has always distinguished it Self by its Loy- 
alty to the Crown and Zeal for its Service, so in this 
Affair as Soon as they had received the said Royal 
Instructions, they imeadately passed an Act the 2f 
June 1746.^ for raising 3 Companies of Soldiers of 
100 Men each OfiBcers included ; and also for equip- 
ping, manning, and Victualling the Colonys Sloop of 
War for the Same Service, and in order the more 
effectually to answer the Kings Instructions in rais- 
ing those Forces, they granted a large Bounty of 
£^0 for each able bodyed Man that should enter 
himself, which bounty was intirely born by the Col- 
oney and not charged in the Acco'.' (as indeed they 

1 In Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 162. 2 Qol. Rec. of R. /., V. 172. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 1 1 1 

did not expect to be paid for it) But as the forces 
raised for that Service, were by the Kings express 
orders and directions to enter immediately into his 
pay as aforesaid, it seems to be naturaly and Neces- 
sarily Implied, that he would pay all the Charge 
ariseing upon the Subsisting and Transporting his 
own Troops. 

When Gov! Shirley and Adm! Warren reef Direc- 
tions to discharge the Soldiers, they also had Instruc- 
tions to procure the Acco'.' from the Several Gov- 
erm*? of the whole Expence incurr'd on Acco' of 
the American Troops, from the time of their being 
Levyed, to the time of their discharge : and after 
their being all adjusted and liquidated to transmitt 
them to the Secrete of State, with the proper Vouch- 
ers, to be laid before the Parliam* that Provision 
might be made for the payment,^ which the said 
Governor of Rhode Island apprehended to be a 
demonstration that it was the Kings Intentions that 
the whole Expence should be paid : If there be any 
imperfections in the Accounts they may possibly 
arise in a great measure from their not being ac- 
quainted with the Manner of Levying Soldiers and 
Stateing Military Acco^.^ in England, and so were 
forced to take Methods of their own Prescribing, 
but they hoped that their Zeal for the Kings Ser- 
vice in this Affair will Attone for Some irregularitys 
in the Method of proceeding and Stateing their Ac- 
counts. 

That Gov' Shirley must be under a mistake in 
the s**" and Io'^ Objections when he alledges, That 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 229. 



112 Correspondence of the 

Armed Vessels and Billeting the 3 Companys was 
recommend to be provided at the Expence of the 
Colonys, for that the words of the Duke of New- 
Castle's Letter to the said Governl" of Rhode Island 
of 9'!" April 1746 are Viz! "You are to recommend it 
" to the Council and General Assembly, to provide 
" a Sufficient Number of Transports to Carry the 
*' Troops to be raised in Rhode Island to Louisbourg, 
" and from thence up the River S! Lawrence and a 
" Sufficient Quantity of Provisions for their Subsist- 
" ance and also to provide as many armed Vessels as 
" can be got to Serve in the Expedition, under the 
" Command of Rear Adm? Warren ; " ^ Wherein 
not one word is mentioned that this Charge was to 
be at the Colonys Expence and therefore the said 
Colony had just reason to Expect a Reimbursment 
in due time of the said Expence, as well as to be 
paid for Army and Cloathing by Lieu* Gen? S! Clair ; 
more especially now Since the Expedition was laid 
aside, for can it be rationally imagined that this 
Small Colony should of themselves bear that heavy 
burden without a Consideration for it ? If the Ex- 
pedition had gone forward as was intended when 
Orders were sent over to the Colonys there was a 
probability of Success in the Designe against Que- 
beck which being taken and in the hands of the 
English, would have been some compensation to 
Rhode Island, for thereby the Indian Natives in the 
Interest of the French and always our Enemys in a 
French War would have been deprived of Succour 
and Assistance with Arms and Ammunition, and 

1 See Col. Rec. of R, /., V. 162, 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 113 

consequently prevented in a great Measure from 
annoying and disturbing the Frontier Towns, which 
has been frequently done, and the Inhabitants put in 
great Fear and Terror: But in as much as the said 
Colony did very early Comply with the Instructions 
from the Crown and were by no means faulty therein 
nor accessory to the disapointment of the said Ex- 
pedition, but that it was laid aside entirely by the 
Government here, as appears by a Letter wrote by 
Governor Shirley and Commod? Knowles of the 
28'!" Octobr 1747. to the Governor of New Jersey in 
these words, Viz^ " His Grace the D. of Newcastle 
" having in his Letter to Gov^ Shirley signified, that 
" his Majesty finding it necessary to employ the 
" greatest part of his Forces to assist his Allies and 
" defend the libertys of Europe, had thought proper, 
" for the Present, to lay aside the prosecution of the 
" intended Expedition against Canada &c^ " 

It is therefore humbly prayed and for the Reasons 
afores^ that the Objections of Gov' Shirleys to the 
Acco'.* of the s^ Colony of Rhode Island, may be set 
aside, or at least so much of them as you in your 
wisdom Shall See meet. 

all which is humbly Submitted. 

R. P. 

London p*".' 14'." 1749 

N. B The Total amount of the said Colonys Ex- 
pence on this occasion was ^76083.11.4 Currency of 
the Old Tenour, which at 750 per C* as per Exca in 
1746 made ^10144.9.6 Sterl: and the same has been 
paid by the Lords of the Treasury to the said Agent 
accordingly. 

VOL. II. 



114 Correspondence of the 



To the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations?- 

The further Representation of the Colony of Rhode Islands 
Agent in addition to his former of the 14'? of Novembr relating to 
the 5*? and g*.*" Articles of Gov!" Shirleys against the said Colonys 
account: Viz? 5*? That by the s*.*" Article the Sum of ;^i2674.i3.6 
Currency the said Governor says ought to be wholly disallowed 
for the Reasons set forth in his Objections. 

In Reply to which, the said Agent further Alledges, that the 
Colony Sloop of War by Virtue of an Act Passed there, had been 
employed during the time of War, to Cruise in Conjunction with 
the Connecticutt Sloop in the Summer Season, for the safe guard 
of their Coast; but that afterwards when order came for the 
Canada Expedition, it was by the General Assembly of the said 
Colony of the 12*? of June 1746 : voted and resolved, that the 
said Act, should be repealed,'^ which was done accordingly, and 
the said Sloop of War kept in Constant readiness in the Harbour 
at home, waiting Soley to Convoy the Transports on the said 
Expedition ; and afterwards when Orders came for Transporting 
the Colonys Forces to Annapolis Royal, they embarked and 
Sailed the 2? of Nov!; and Continued great part of the Winter 
before their Return : That the Custom of the Colonys employing 
their Sloop of War ordinarily for guarding their Coast, was only 
in the Summer, and to discharge their Men and lay up all the 
Winter and then fit out again in the Spring but here she was 
actually employed in the Kings Service both in Summer and 
Winter as aforesaid. 

cf^ And as to the said Gov'.' Remarks on the 9th Article re- 
lating to additional Cloathing. 

The said Agent Reply's, the Governor of Rhode Island wrote 
him, that when the Forces were ordered to Embark for Annapolis 
Royal, As they had been Several Months in the Service without 
pay, and their Cloathing being not Sufficient for them to go into 
Garrison in the Winter Season ; the Government thought it abso- 
lutely necessary tho' they had no orders from the King to ad- 

1 Enclosed with letter of August lo, 1750. 

2 See Col. Rec.ofR. /., V. 176. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 1 1 5 

vance them some part of their pay, and to furnish them with 
some more Cloaths on his Majestys account.^ 

Which is humbly Submitted 

R? Partridge 

London December 16'? 1749. 



Treasury Receipt? 

Whereas by his Majestys Letters of Privy Seal bearing date the 
7^'' day of June 1750: it is recited that the Expences in Rhode 
Island for the intended Canada Expedition did amount to 
^7507,4.3^ and the Money advanced to Gideon Wanton late 
Governour there, for those Services did amount to ;^ioi44.9.6. 
So that there is to be repaid by him the Sum of ^^2637. 5. 2^ upon 
repayment whereof to the PayMaster of the Forces, his Majesty 
thereby directs the said Gideon Wanton shall be discharged from 
any further acco? for the said ^10144.9.6 ; 

And Whereas by a Warrant Signed by the Lords Justices the 
aS*.*" of June 1750: the Lords of the Treasury are required to 
take care that the said Sum of £2(ii'] .t^.2\ be repaid by Richard 
Partridge as Agent for Rhode Island accordingly, and that 
proper Memorandums be made thereof with the Auditor of the 
Imprests. Now I do hereby Accknowledge to have rec? of the 
said Rich? Partridge the said Sum of Two thousand Six hundred 
Thirty seven Pounds, five Shillings and two Pence halfpenny 
which I promise to repay in the Name of the said Gideon Wan- 
ton to the PayMaster General of his Majestys Forces and make 
proper Memorandums thereof in the Office of the Auditor of 
his Majestys Imprests according to the Orders of the Lords 
Comm? of his Majestys Treasury in that behalf 

Peter Leheup 

Whitehall Treasury Chambers 
the 6'!" day of July 1750. 



1 Rhode Island was eventualh' allowed but £7,507.4.4 for the expenses of the ex- 
pedition to Annapolis Royal. The over-payment of £2,637.5.2 was deducted from 
the allowance of £6,322.12.10, for the expenses of the Cape Breton affair. 

2 Enclosed with letter of August 10, 1750. 



1 1 6 Correspondence of the 



GOVERNOR GREENE TO THE HOUSE OF DEPUTIES.^ 

To the Hon^^' House of Deputies. 
Gentlemen, 

The Currency of a Government is a Matter of 
very great Importance and of general Concern, every 
Member of the Community being interested therein, 
and as it is the Measure by which the Prices of all 
Things bought and sold are estimated, it most cer- 
tainly ought to be of a fixed and invariable Value, 
for if it is not, it must necessarily occasion great 
Injury and Injustice. 

That the Paper Currency of this and the neigh- 
bouring Governments is not an invariable Measure 
is indisputable, and that it has sunk above one half 
in its Value, within the Compass of a few Years last 
past, is a Fact that cannot be denied, consequently 
it doth not answer the true End of a Medium of 
Commerce, and all Creditors in New England have 
been greatly injured thereby. 

1 On August 24 (the date of this message) the Lower House passed a resolution to 
draught a law to emit £50,000 in bills of credit. This was done, but the law never 
was passed. See Rider's Historical Tract No. 8, on Colonial Paper Currency, pages 
81, 82. Upon this attempt, sixty-nine merchants of Newport petitioned the King 
" that the legislature or authority of this government may be prevented and effectually 
restrained from making or emitting any more bills of public credit upon loan, without 
your Majesty's royal permission, and be commanded to stop and recall this intended 
emission of August last." See Co/. Rec. of R. /., V. 311. In the following March an 
emission of £25,000 was made. This was the last, for an act to regulate and restrain 
the emission of colonial paper money was passed by Parliament, and by this act all 
issue of such bills subsequent to September, 1751, was absolutely prohibited. Provi- 
sion was then made for such issues in case of emergency, and under careful regulation 
respecting their redemption. See for the act of March, 1751, Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 
321. A detailed account of the paper money epidemic in Rhode Island and of the 
action of the home government may be found in Rider's Historical Tract No. 8, 
referred to above. A letter to Partridge concerning the petition of the Newport mer. 
chants, and the measures to be taken to neutralize its effect, is in Col. Rec. of R. /., 

V. 315. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 1 1 7 

To what Causes the continual depreciation of this 
Currency has been owing, may perhaps admit of 
some Dispute, but it can admit of none, that it ought 
not to be disregarded, and suffered to pass without 
Animadversion, for surely a depreciating Currency 
ought not to be countenanced or tolerated in any 
Government, for this plain Reason, because it en- 
riches one Part of the Community at the Expence of 
the other. 

That this has been the Case hitherto with regard 
to our Paper Currency is notorious, and therefore let 
unthinking or selfish Men be ever so loud and clam- 
orous for a New Emission of Bills, and let them pre- 
sent ever so many Petitions for it, I hope this Hon*"'.^ 
House will not be influenced thereby, or gratify them 
in a Desire so unjust and unreasonable. 

That the Demand of a new Emission of Bills is 
really and in truth unreasonable and unjust, will 
most evidently appear, by duely inquiring whether 
such an Emission at this Conjuncture be necessar}', 
expedient and just, and whether it can be made 
without endangering the invaluable Privileges granted 
us by the Royal Charter. 

In Order to set this Matter in a clear Light, it is 
necessary that it should be known, what Sum we 
have now outstanding : This has been lately ascer- 
tained, and by the Report made to the General As- 
sembly of this Colony in February past,^ an Extract 
of which I have now in my Hands and recommend 
to this Hon^!^ House, as deserving their serious Con- 
sideration, it appears that there was then outstanding 

1 In Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 283. 



1 1 8 Correspondence of the 

Five Hundred and twenty five Thousand, three Hun- 
dred and thirty five Pounds. That this prodigious 
Sum is abundantly sufficient to carry on the Trade and 
Business of the Colony ; is the unanimous Sentiment 
of our principal Merchants and Shopkeepers, who are 
the only competent Judges in this Affair, and to say 
that they are not Competent Judges is as absurd and 
groundless, as it would be to say, that a skilful Arti- 
ficer or Tradesman is not a proper Judge, whether he 
has Materials and Tools sufficient to carry on his 
Trade, or that an experienced thriving Farmer knows 
not when his Farm is sufficiently stocked. 

It is, then, manifest and undeniable, that there is 
no Necessity of a new Emission of Bills to carry 
on the Trade and Business of the Colony, and that 
such an Emission would be inexpedient and preju- 
dicial also is highly probable : Our Trade is now 
very large, and seems to be in a pretty flourishing 
Condition, and an Addition to our Paper Currency 
with regard to Trade only, exclusive of all other 
Considerations, would in all probability be of as little 
Service, and of as bad Consequence to the Merchant, 
as it would be to an Artificer, to oblige him to ex- 
pend his Substance in procuring a great Number of 
unnecessary Tools, for which he had no Use, and 
could do much better without, or to a Farmer to be 
compelled to purchase a larger Stock of Cattle than 
his Farm could possibly keep and maintain. 

For besides the vast Sum now extant in our own 
Bills and some Bills of the Colony of Connecticut, it 
is well known, that within a few Months past such a 
Flood of New Hampshire Bills has been poured in 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 119 

upon us from Boston, that many are greatly alarmed 
at it, and I dare appeal to every Member of this 
House that there are, in most Payments of late, at 
least as many New Hampshire Bills passing among 
us, as of our own. And as none of all these Bills, 
ours, Connecticut or New Hampshire, have now any 
Currency in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, 
they are all confined to narrow Limits, and are far, 
very far, from being of that Use and Service in car- 
rying on our Trade, that they were before the late 
Act of that Province took Place. And though our 
Bills are now current in the Colony of Connecticut, 
yet that they will be so, in case a new Emission 
should be now made, is more than we can promise 
our selves. I have good Authority to say this, hav- 
ing been informed by Persons of Credit, that the 
Legislature of that Colony had agreed, in case we 
made a new Emission of Bills, to enact a Law against 
receiving them in that Government. 

To suppose, then, that our Trade must thrive and 
increase in proportion to the quantity of Bills we 
emit, when those Bills are of no Value, and will have, 
'tis probable, no Currency, but within the narrow 
Limits of this Colony, appears to be a mere Delusion 
and groundless Fancy. And besides Experience 
hath shewn, that a new Emission of Bills makes little 
or no Addition to the Medium of Trade, and that 
it ought to be looked upon only as a political device 
to defraud Creditors. This brings me to the next 
Enquiry, namely. 

Whether a new Emission be consistent with Jus- 
tice. That it will not, can, I think, be easily proved 



I20 Correspondence of the 

beyond the Possibility of a Denial, for the undoubted 
and never failing Consequence of a large new Emis- 
sion of Bills, hath ever been the depreciating all those 
that were extant before, this so manifestly appears 
from the above mentioned Report as to admit of no 
Contradiction. The Reports begins a. d., 1728, in 
that Year we emitted Forty Thousand Pounds in 
Bills, then equal to Twelve Thousand eight Hundred 
Pounds Sterling, of that Emission there are outstand- 
ing Two Tenths or Eight Thousand Pounds, the 
Value of which when first emitted was Two Thou- 
sand five Hundred and Sixty Pounds Sterling, and 
the Sterling Value is now but Seven Hundred and 
twenty seven Pounds, five Shillings and six Pence. 

I need not go through all our Emissions severally, 
because they may be seen at one View in the before 
mentioned Extract, which I pray may be examined 
by the Clerk of this House and compared with the 
Report. In the whole it appears that we have out- 
standing upon Loan Three Hundred and Ninety 
Thousand Pounds, the Sterling Value thereof at the 
Times of Emission Seventy eight Thousand, one 
hundred and eleven Pounds, and the Value now sunk 
to Thirty five Thousand, four hundred and forty five 
Pounds Sterling, omitting the odd Shillings and 
Pence in the two last Sums. 

The Depreciation of the Paper Currency in New 
England is really amazing, and it may be justly ques- 
tioned whether the History of all past Times and 
Countries can afford a parallel instance. It would 
take up a great deal of Time to enter into a particu- 
lar Detail of this Affair, and it is not necessary to 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 121 

the Enquiry I am now upon, I will therefore confine 
my self to the aforesaid Report and Extract. The 
Difference between the two last mentioned Sums, 
being Forty two Thousand, six Hundred and sixty 
six Pounds Sterling, an equivalent to at least Four 
hundred and sixty nine Thousand, three Hundred 
and twenty six Pounds, Old Tenor, is what Creditors 
have already lost by the aforesaid Bills upon Loans 
exclusive of the Loss upon the Bills that have been 
called in and sunk, and thus plainly doth it appear 
that they have been robbed of great Part of their 
personal Estates by the Depreciation of the Cur- 
rency, and if a new Emission of Bills upon the old 
Footing should now be made, they would most cer- 
tainly be still further injured. And if this be not 
Injustice, it would be dif^cult to say what is, and 
whatever may or can possibly be said to palliate so 
great a Grievance, surely to persist in such a ruinous 
Practice must be wholly inexcusable. 

Many of these Creditors, which makes the Case 
still more hard and grievous, are Widows and Or- 
phans, who, as they are the least capable to take Care 
of themselves and their Estates, have the best Right 
to the Care and Protection of the Government, and 
such is their Situation and Circumstances, that they, 
some of them at least ; as having no other Way of 
improving their personal Estate, which as to many 
of them is their All, then by letting Money at Inter- 
est, must in the Course of a few Years, unless there 
is a Stop put to the Depreciation, be unavoidably 
reduced to the sad Necessity of begging their Bread 
or Starving. 



122 Correspondence of the 

How unjust, cruel and inhumane it would be, to 
treat poor, innocent, fatherless Children, and discon- 
solate helpless Widows, in such a Manner, Strip 
them of their whole Estate and Support, the bare 
mentioning of it is sufficient to shew, and cannot, I 
think, fail to excite the Compassion of this Hon''}^ 
House, and make them utterly detest any Measure 
that has so barbarous a Tendency, and that would 
produce such doleful Effects. 

But that it will be the unhappy Case of many such 
Widows and Orphans, if a large new Emission of 
Bills should be now made, there is just Ground to 
fear, for no Reason can be assigned, why the Cur- 
rency should not depreciate as much in the next six 
Years, as it has done in the six last past, if large new 
Emissions are made upon the same Footing as here- 
tofore, it being impossible that Bills, emitted for so 
long Periods, and upon such easy Terms, should 
keep their Value. There is no Man in his Senses 
that would take a Note or Bond of the richest Man 
that ever breathed for an Hundred Pounds payable 
in ten Years at ten equal annual Payments, as an 
Equivalent for an Hundred Pounds in Hand, for 
such a Note or Bond is not really worth much above 
half that Sum, consequently Public Bills emitted in 
the like Manner will never hold their Value, and as 
with us the Bills of every new Emission pass at Par 
in all Payments, with those of the former Emissions, 
a new Emission must necessarily lessen the Value of 
all the Bills, that were extant before, and appears, I 
think, very plainly to be, not an Addition to, or In- 
crease of the Currency in Value, but a political Con- 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 123 

trivance to defraud Creditors of their Estates, Three 
hundred thousand Pounds of our Currency being now 
less in Value, than One hundred thousand Pounds 
twenty Years ago. 

The neighbouring Governments, especially the 
Province of the Massachusetts, have been culpable 
in this Respect, as well as we, and perhaps 'till Ex- 
perience had determined the Matter, it could not 
have been foreseen, that large Emissions of Paper 
Currency would have such pernicious Effects. If 
any Person in the beginning of the Year 1744 should 
have said, that the Paper Currency in Consequence 
of such Emissions, would sink in six Years one Half 
of its then Value, or in other Words, that Silver 
which was then worth about thirty Shillings per 
Ounce, would in six Years rise to above sixty Shil- 
lings per Ounce, it is highly probable, he would have 
been told by the Advocates for a new Bank ^ then, 
that his Assertion was groundless and incredible, and 
that they would have treated it with as great Con- 
tempt, as the Petitioners for a new Emission now 
will or can treat this Speech, but Experience hath 
demonstrated, that the aforesaid Assertion would 
have been strictly true. And indeed the Efifects and 
Consequences, that have in Fact attended the Paper 
Currency in New England, have been so apparently 
unjust, and so utterly indefensible, that the aforesaid 
Province, to atone in some Degree for their past 
Misconduct, and to prevent such Consequences for 
the future, have refused to give a Currency to any of 
the Bills of their neighbouring Governments, and 

1 " Bank " signified an issue of bills. 



124 Correspondence of the 

made Provision for the speedy calling in and destroy- 
ing of all their own. 

Perhaps they have been too precipitate therein, 
such a Sudden and total Destruction of all Paper 
Currency being likely to occasion some bad Effects, 
and therefore I am far from desiring that this Gov- 
ernment should imitate them in that Respect : but 
on the other hand, as we have really a sufficient 
Number of Bills already, and the creating more is 
rather a Contrivance to defraud Creditors, than an 
Addition to the Medium of Trade, and as neither 
Connecticut or New Hampshire seem to be in any 
Disposition to make a new Emission of their Bills, 
we shall be alone, if we venture upon such an Emis- 
sion, and must therefore take upon our selves the 
whole Load of Infamy, and the Danger, that will be 
occasioned thereby. I say Infamy, for can it be 
called by any Softer Name, to make a new Emission 
of Bills, when it is foreseen, that such an Emission 
will deprive Numbers of innocent People of great 
Part of their Estates ? Ought not personal Property 
to be safe and secure as well as real? Is it just or 
reasonable to take money out of the Pockets of the 
honest, the industrious and the frugal, and bestow it 
upon the fraudulent, the idle and the extravagant ? 
Is it allowable to do any thing, which must accord- 
ing to the common Course of Things inevitably pro- 
duce such an Effect ? Will it be a whit better, or 
more excusable than downright Robbery, or manifest 
Cheeting? In short the taking such a Measure ap- 
pears to be so manifestly unjust, that it would be 
lost Time to say a Word more upon this Head. But 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 125 

Whether it will be attended with Danger, I mean 
with Danger of forfeiting our Charter F^rivileges, 
remains yet to be considered. 

Some pretend to be of the Opinion, that we have 
by Charter the Liberty to emit what Sums we please 
in Paper Currency, and when they produce a Para- 
graph or Clause of the Charter to that Purpose, no 
doubt, but that this Hon^.'^ House will be of that 
Opinion too, but it is most certain, that there is 
not, throughout the whole Charter, one Word about 
the emitting any Paper Currency at all. It is true 
we and all the neighbouring Governments have taken 
the Liberty of making such Emissions, but that we 
and they had a Right so to do, is not so clear a 
Point, and 'tis certain, that his present Majesty, our 
most gracious Sovereign, and the Parliament of Great 
Britain, our Mother Country, have at times signified 
their Disapprobation of that Practice. 

Thus, to confine my self to this Colony, in the 
Year 1740, the Parliament having agreed to certain 
Resolutions concerning the Paper Currency, in His 
Majesty's Plantations in America, the Lords Justices 
of Great Britain (the King being then in his German 
Dominions) sent to this Government, in pursuance 
of those Resolutions, certain Instructions,^ to which 
the General Assembly of the Colony paid so much 
Deference, that after they had, in September that 
Year passed an Act for emitting Twenty Thousand 
Pounds in Bills equivalent to Silver at nine Shillings 
per Ounce, they thought themselves obliged, upon 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 7 ; and also Governor Ward's Report to the Lords of 
Trade, Ibid., V. 8. 



126 Correspondence of the 

receiving said Instructions, to amend the Act afore- 
said in December following, and then stated the Bills 
to be emitted, equivalent to Silver at six shillings 
and nine Pence per Ounce, as by the Act passed in 
December 1 740 doth fully appear.-^ It is then unde- 
niable that the General Assembly were of Opinion, 
that no other Kind of Bills, but the last mentioned, 
would after the said Instructions were sent to us, be 
agreeable to, or allowed of by the Court of Great 
Britain. The said Twenty thousand Pounds emitted 
by the Act passed in December aforesaid, the whole 
Sum being yet outstanding, was then in Value Fif- 
teen Thousand, eight Hundred and two Pounds, 
eight Shillings Sterling, and is now worth only Seven 
Thousand, two hundred and seventy two Pounds, 
fourteen Shillings and six Pence Sterling. How this 
surprising Affair will be taken at Home is yet uncer- 
tain, but as we are not alone accountable for this 
astonishing Depreciation, and as our Neighbours, 
the Massachusetts in particular, on Account of their 
extravagant Emissions of Bills, to carry on the Ex- 
pedition against Louisbourg, and that lately intended 
against Canada, ought to be principally charged 
therewith, we have good Grounds to hope it will not 
be imputed to us, or deemed a Contempt of the 
aforesaid Instructions. 

And no longer ago than the last Year, His Ma- 
jesty was pleased to transmit to us by his Grace the 
Duke of Bedford, one of His principal Secretaries of 
State, His Commands relating to our Currency, in 
obedience to which we have very lately sent Home 

1 These Acts are in the Digest for iT44i PP- 226 et seq. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 127 

an Account or State thereof,^ the Sum we have out- 
standing, the Sterling Value it was of when emitted, 
and the Sterling Value it was of when the Account 
was made out. What Reception it will have is yet 
unknown, but as it is a most extraordinary and sur- 
prising Thing, that the Public Currency of any Gov- 
ernment should, in the Course of so few Years de- 
preciate to such a Degree as ours has done, we 
are certainly obliged by all the Rules of Prudence to 
wait the Event, and not involve our selves in further 
and greater Difficulties and Dangers. 

It is well known that a Bill for Regulating the 
Paper Currency in all His Majesty's Plantations in 
America has been preferred to the Parliament of 
Great Britain, and our Agent My Partridge hath 
informed us, that it was in consequence of some Reso- 
lutions of the present Parliament, that His Majesty 
injoined this Government to send Home the afore- 
mentioned Account of our Currency in order to be 
laid before them, and this also appears, unless my 
Memory fails me, by his Grace the Duke of Bed- 
ford's Letter, which I pray may be read. If then 
the General Assembly of this Colony should, before 
the Matter is determined by the Parliament, take the 
Liberty to emit another Bank of Bills of any Sort 
or kind whatever, it might be deemed a daring Pre- 
sumption, and be the incurring His Majesty's and 
the Parliament's highest Displeasure. And if that 
should prove to be the Case, as in all Probability it 
will, if we now venture upon a new Emission of 
Bills, whether we should have any Reason in the 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 278, 283-286. 



128 Correspondence of the 

world to expect to hold our Charter, deserves the 
most serious Consideration of this Hon^f^ House, for 
if our Charter should be hereby forfeited, it will be 
lost forever, and it would be as vain an Imagination 
as ever entered into any Man's Head to expect that 
any thing we could do, would, recover what we had 
thus rashly and presumptiously thrown away. 

The Preservation of Privileges, as valuable as any 
People upon the Face of the Earth enjoy, deserves, 
Gentlemen, of all Things under Heaven your great- 
est Attention, and can any Man, who will give him- 
self Time to think seriously of this Affair of our 
Currency, say, we shall be in no Danger of forfeiting 
them, by a large new Emission of Bills at this Con- 
juncture? What! Affront His Majesty, our most 
gracious Sovereign, and the Parliament of Great 
Britain, our Supreme Lawgiver, by taking out of their 
Hands a Matter of great Importance, now under 
their Consideration, and run no Danger by so doing ! 
It will not bear the Mentioning, for certainly no 
rational Man can possibly think it may be done with 
Safety. 

I have now, I think, very plainly proved that a 
new Emission of Bills is so far from being necessary, 
that it would be, in all probability, pernicious to the 
Trade of the Colony, manifestly injurious to all 
Creditors in general, and ruinous to many Widows 
and Orphans in particular, and besides all this prob- 
ably occasion the Loss of our Charter, and therefore 
pray in behalf of the Petitioners of this Town that the 
several Petitions for a new Emission may be dis- 
missed. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 129 

The Facts I have taken notice of cannot be denied, 
and my Reasoning upon them is, I beHeve, just and 
conclusive, but all that I have said is Submitted to 
your candid Consideration by 
Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient humble Servant 
Newport ON Rhode Island August 24'.'' 1750. 



GOVERNOR GREENE TO THE LORDS OF TRADE. 

Newport Rhode Island Decern! 15'." 1750 
May it please your Lordships 

In the Beginning of August last I Received Your 
Lordships Letter ^ with the printed Copy of An Act 
of Parliament Made to encorage the Importation of 
Pig and Barr Iron from His Majesty^ Colonys in 
America, And to prevent the erection of Any Mill 
or other Engine for Sliting or roling of Iron, or 
Any plaiting forge To work with a Tilt hammer or 
Any furnace for Makeing Steel, In Any of the Said 
Colonies And in a few Days after when the General 
Assembly Sat at Newport I Caused the Same to be 
Published In their presence ; and thereupon a Com- 
mittee was appointed to Make the Strictest Serch 
and enquirey after Such Mills engines and Furnaces, 
as in the Act of parliament are Mentioned and Ex- 
pressed. The Gentlemen so appointed Made Report 
to the General Assembly at their Session in provi- 
dence the Last week : who thereupon Became fully 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 314, for letter and for act of Assembly. 
VOL. II. 



130 Correspondence of the 

Assured, there is in this Colony No Such Mill or 
Engine for Sliting or Roleing of Iron or any plating 
forge to work with a Tilt Hammer, or any Furnace 
for Makeing Steel as Mentioned and Expresed in 
the aforesaid Act of Parliament, and of This they 
Desired me to Inform Your Lordships, I Do it ac- 
cordingly being 

May it please Your Lordships 
Your Lordships Most obediant and Very 
Humble Servant 

W. G 

The Hon^?* Lords Commissioners for Trade and 
plantations 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 5*^ mo. the 3? 1751. 
Gov''. Greene 

The foregoing is Copy of my last to thee per Capt 
Richards since w^*" the Parliam* broke up the I5*^ 
Instant when they were prorogued at which time 
the King as usual made a Speech to both Houses 
a Printed Copy whereof comes inclosed in the Ga- 
zette. 

The Act concerning Paper Bills of Credit (with 
the amendm*') thou wilt see is passed the Royal 
Assent after a pretty deal of debating in the House 
of Commons but as it is, greatly altered from what 
it was when first formed, the Sting being taken 
out, and for that now it may probably be a means 
to prevent any further depreciation of the Paper 



Colo7iial Governors of Rhode Island 131 

Money and other circumstances consid^. It is to be 
hoped the Act will not be attended w*.*" any great In- 
jury to the Colony especially too as all the other 3 
N. E. Colonys are included and put on the same 
Bottom.' 

The Parliam^ have also passed an Act this Sessions 
for the Encouragm! of making Pot Ash in our Plan- 
tations by taking off the Duty which is about £6 
per Tun or upwards which we hope will prove bene- 
ficial, wherein I contributed my Assistance in the 
Solicitation. 

There are lately some change in the Ministry, 
the Earl of Granville is appoint^ President of the 
Council, in the Room of the Duke of Dorset, who 
is going over L"? L! of Ireland. The Earl of Hol- 
derness made Sec"/ of State in the Room of the D. 
of Bedford, and L^ Anson first Corny of the Admi- 
ralty in the Room of Lord Sandwich and they say 
Lord Gower the Privy Seal has also resigned. I 
am &c 

Thy Friend 

R. P. 

24'." Ditto 

I wrote thee last of 3*^ Inst via New London 
since which I have been served w'^ Notice ^ from 
the West India Agents of their Intention to apply 
to Parliam* again early next Sessions for a Prohibit^ 
Act respecting the Trade of the Northern Colonys, 

1 See note to the Governor's message to the House, August 24, 1750. 

2 See the following document. The Assembly were already preparing to oppose 
any such solicitation. See Col. Rec. of R, /., V. 331. 



132 Correspondence of the 

on the same footing doubtless as was Solicited for 
in the last Sessions, wherefore in the mean time 
ample Instructions shol be sent over hither for 
Conduct? in behalf of the Colony, inclosed is a Copy 
of said Notice in writing that was sent me, who am 
as above 

R^ Partridge 

I have accepted all thy latter Bills on me, the last 
that came to hand was that of ^275. Pay^^^ to Edw? 
Kinnicutt. 

6 mo. or Aug'.' 9'.''. 

Since the foregoing my Sol' Paris has sent me 
in, his Bill of Costs for the Business transacted for 
your Colony in the last Sessions of Parliament 
about the Paper Currency Bill only, amounting to 
;^375 119.8 a Copy whereof I send thee here in- 
closed which I think extravagantly high and there- 
fore I intend to dispute it with him before I pay the 
Money. 

And I am Still yet more confirmed it was well I 
did not' proceed further in si Paper Currency affair, 
for if I had gone through at the Commons and fol- 
lowed it at the Lords it might probably have come to 
near as much more, and this is besides an acco! he 
brought me in for Connecticutt of ;^5i.i8.8 and 
besides his Bill of Costs for opposing the West India 
MerchJ? in their late Prohibiting Scheme, the whole 
of which West Ind* Affair for the 4 Colonys (which I 
represent) he makes to am° together to ^414 . 18 . 11. 
more, which I shall also contend with him 'about: 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 133 

but more of this hereafter, interim I remain, as be- 
fore 

R? Partridge 
To Governour Green 
Rhode Island 



THE WEST INDIAN AGENTS TO RICHARD PARTRIDGE.* 

Tho' from what passed when the Petition of the 
Merchants of London in general and of the British 
Sugar Planters Merchants and others praying the 
prohibiting the Northern Colonies from taking any 
Sugar Rum and Molasses from the ffrench and other 
foreign Sugar Settlements was under the Consider- 
ation of the House of Commons this last Session and 
the Declaration then made that the like application 
would be resumed the next Session of Parliament 
We apprehend any formal notice of such Intention 
to be unnecessary Yet to avoid all pretence on be- 
half of the Northern Colonies of their not having 
such Notice We do hereby give you this notice in 
Writing that we purpose and intend to renew the 
like Application to the House of Commons upon 
or immediately after the commencement of the next 
Session in Parliament in order to obtain an Act of 
Parliament to prevent His Majesty's Subjects of the 
Northern Colonies from buying or taking by way 
of Barter or Exchange or otherwise howsoever any 
foreign Sugar Rum or Molasses from any foreign 
Settlement whatsoever and to prohibit the Importa- 
tion thereof into any of His Majesty's Dominions 

1 Enclosed in letter of July 3, 1751. 



134 Correspondence of the 

As Witness our hands this Eleventh day of July 

1751. 

{Jamaica 
Barbadoes 
Antiqua and 
Novis 
Ja? Geo : Douglas Agent 

for S! Christophers 
JoN : WiLMOT Agent for 
Montserratt, 

To Richard Partridge Esq' 

Agent for his Majesty's Coloney of Rhode Island 
and Providence Plantations. 



THOMAS HILL^ TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF 
RHODE ISLAND. 

Whitehall July 9'? 1751. 
Gentlemen, 

Three Acts having been passed in the last Session 
of Parliament, wherein the British Plantations are 
concern'd, viz! 

An Act for continuing several Laws therein men- 
tion'd relating to the Premiums upon the Importa- 
tion of Masts, Yards and Bowsprits, Tar, Pitch and 
Turpentine ; to British made Sail-Cloth, and the 
Duty payable on foreign Sail Cloth ; and to the 
Allowance upon the Exportation of British made 
Gun powder. 

An Act to regulate and restrain Paper Bills of 

1 Secretary to the Lords of Trade. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 135 

Credit in His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations of 
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecti- 
cut, the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire in 
America, and to prevent the same being legal Ten- 
ders in Payment of Money.^ 

An Act for encouraging the making of Pot Ashes 
and Pearl Ashes in the British Plantations in 
America.^ 

I am directed by my Lords Commissioners for 
Trade and Plantations to send the inclosed printed 
Copies of them, for Your Information and Govern- 
ment in the several Matters therein contain'd. I am, 
Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient, humble Servant, 

Tho^ Hill 

Gov' and CompT of Rhode Island 



RICHARD PARTRmOE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 4'.'' mo. or Apr! the lo')' 1752 

Gov''. Greene 

I wrote thee last of the 6'.'' Ult. via Boston to which 
I refer having since rec^ none of thy favours. The 
Parliam! broke up the 26*.^ Ult. and the King soon 
after set off for his German Dominions and is safe 
arrived in the Holland leaving the Royal Authority, 
as to the Kingdom with a Number of Lords ap- 
pointed Regents as Usual. 

As the Parliam! were prorogued sooner than ordi- 
nary a pretty deal of business was postponed so that 

1 See note to letter of August 24, 1750. - See letter of July 3, 1751. 



1 36 Correspondence of the 

the West India Gentlemen did nothing at all this 
Sessions in their intended Scheme respecting The 
Trade with the Foreign Sugar Islands/ But it's very 
likely they will prosecute it the next Year. 

I send thee per this Conveyance some of our Lon- 
don Prints to be forwarded to thee per a private 
hand of which I desire thy acceptance. 

From Thy assured Friend 

R° Partridge 

5'." mo. or May the 4'." 

The foregoing is Copy of my last to thee, and now 
this accompanys my acco! w*^ the Colony the Balh* 
whereof is ^240. 14.0, Sterl. in my favour. I have 
charged in the said acco! f'^.^ of my Sol" Bills for 
acco* of the opposition in Parliament, on the Score 
of the Paper Currency Affair, and the other if to the 
Colony of Connecticut, in as much as the Com- 
mencement of the Solicitation was principally at first 
against Rhode Island only, which involved the Col- 
ony of Connecticutt, and I charge as thou wilt see 
but ^loi . 12.9. being ^"^ of the Sol'.' Bills in the op- 
position to the West India Merchants and Planters 
which for the 4 Colonies I represent am? together 
to ^406. 10. II, but as I apprehended my SoK has 
charg'd his Bills too extravagantly, I have not yett 
Setled with him expecting I shall get him to make 
some abatement, and what ever I get taken off I shall 
Credit your Colony with a due proportion of. I hear 
the Charge of the Pet? of Rh^ Island for the late Act 
relating to Paper Currency in Parliament amounts 
to near ^700, which I think is very extraordinary. 

1 See p. 133. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 137 

No Material alterations in the Ministry of late. 
Lord Holderness the present SecT of State holds 
still his Office, as some people will have it as his Pre- 
decessors had it before, notwithstand? the Report of 
its likelihood of being divided and part thereof with 
relation to the Plantations given to another Lord, 
but yet some assert it to be otherwise, and that the 
Board of Trade are invested with part of the powers 
of the Sec7 of StateShip relating to the Plantations.^ 
And now I have of this date drawn upon thee for 
;!^200. Sterl. payable at 40 days sight to my Friend 
Gideon Wanton towards paying our Solr w'^J' please 
to honour accordingly. 

I have lately had a Message from one of the Board 
of Trade hinting it is likely in the next Sessions of 
Parliam* some endeavours will be used to get the 
Sugar and Mollasses Act revived again as it is near 
expiring, but that on the other hand probably some 
means will be used to postpone or drop it and have 
a new Act passed lowering the Duty to 2d. or id. 
per Gall, on Mollasses in lieu of the present duty, 
wherefore it may be necessary for me to have In- 
structions thereabout, in the meantime, I am with 
respects to thyself, and the Gent" of the Council and 
House of Representatives 

Thy and their assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

To William Greene Esq!" 

Governour of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 

1 See letters to Governor Greene, directing all future communications in the way of 
ordinary business to be sent to the Lords of Trade ; also Order in Council for the 
regulation of the plantations ; and letter of Governor Greene to Partridge. Col. Rec, 
ofR. /., V. 350-355, 359. 



138 Correspondence of the 

RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London Nov! 15'." 1753 
Gov''. Greene 

Thine of 23^ Aug' last per Cap* Sheldon I have 
duly rec^ and according to what is expected of me 
from yol" Colony I intend to be on the watch respect- 
ing any thing especially as to Trade and Commerce 
in the House of Commons and exert my Endeavours 
for the good of the Colony as there may be occasion 
and give thee timely notice thereof, and send over 
Such Laws as shall pass here w"*" materially may 
affect the Northern Colonies. 

As to the old Sugar Act ^ it was for a while ap- 
prehended that it would be repealed and a new one 
Enacted for a duty of one penny a gall only on 
Mollasses instead of 6*^ as it now stands, but the Par- 
Ham' rose without doing any thing in it, and altho' 
that Act was mention'd among the expiring Laws 
yet it seems it does not end till the year 1755. But 
there was a sort of Coalition come into w'^ Some 
of the Active Members of the House of Commons 
to let the time run out as it now stands, and be con- 
tinued for one year after that, yet to be discussed 
in Parliament the ensuing Sessions or the Sessions 
next after — w*""" measure it is supposed in some de- 
gree will weaken the Argument for the continuance 
of that Act, but be it howsoever it happens I in- 
tend to advise thee as early as I can the needful 
concerning it. 

And as to the Settlem' of yo[ Northern Boundary^ 

1 The Act of 1733. See note on p. 19 of vol. I. 

a See a report of the Rhode Island and Connecticut committees thereupon, Col. 



Colonial Governors of Hhode Island 1 39 

w** thou mentionest, — when ever I shall have rec** 
the Colonies Instructions thereabout I intend my 
best Endeav"" shall not be wanting for their Interest, 
tho' thou canst not but be sensible it will be attended 
w* great Expence ; for the Lords of the Privy Coun- 
cil, or the Lords of Trade will scarce take upon 
them to determine such an Affair without issuing a 
Commission under the great Seal to appoint Com- 
missioners out of the Neighbouring Gov''m'^ as usual 
in such cases, w"^ bare Commissi will come to above 
^100 Sterl besides all other charges. 

And now I must inform thee that at length on 
Settling acco'' with our Soliciters Bills in the late 
Transactions at the Board of Trade and House of 
Commons, I have got some considerable abatement 
made thereon, and have credited the acco' of Rh*^ 
Island Colony for their proportion thereof amount- 
ing to ^85: 15:0 Sterling. 

And as I think I have all along acted hitherto for 
the Colonies Interest according to my ability and 
Judgment with integrety, and in diverse Instances 
its well Known have been attended with good Suc- 
cess of which many can Witness for me, yet its pos- 
sible I may have some Enemies (not sensible of it) 
endeavouring to prepossess the minds of those Gen- 
tlemen who are my Constituants ag"? me, but that shall 
not in the least abate my Zeal nor discourage me 
from doing my duty in behalf of those I represent ; 
and I cannot well omit acknowledging with gratitude 
the sence of obligation I have of my Friends in the 

Rec. of R. I., v. 346 ; and a petition of the Governor and Company to the Crown, 
March 2, 1753, Ibid., V. 367. 



140 Correspondence of the 

House of Representatives who have thought fit to 
continue their favourable Regards towards me, who 
am with kind respects to thy Self the Gentlemen of 
the Council and Assembly 

Thy and their assured Friend 

RichP Partridge 

To William Green Esq^ 

Governour of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 3? mo. or March 7'!" 1754 
Gov''. Greene 

My last to thee was of Novem"" \^^ per Cap* Davis 
via Boston w"'*' I hope thou hast rec^ since that I 
have had none of thy favours — As to publick Af- 
fairs, This Sessions of Parliam* holds out longer than 
was once expected, but nothing has been done in it 
or attempted hitherto to the prejudice of the Planta', 
Save that in the Course of the demand on the Esti- 
mate for a further Supply for Nova Scotia some 
satirical expressions were thrown out very Severely 
ag!' Charter Gov'm'^ perticularly Rhode Island by a 
Member of the House w^*" indicated such threatnings 
as if something was certainly intended at a proper 
Season hereafter to take them in hand for Maleprac- 
tices, tho' I did not understand they descended to 
particulars w''^ no doubt they imagine they have suf- 
ficient Matter to alledge ag!' the Colony that will 
affect their Charter privileges : perhaps the time they 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 141 

aim at for it will be the next Sessions, to take the 
opportunity when the Sugar and Molasses Act comes 
to be considered and discussed in Parliam* 

May I be worthy to advise I wo'^ recommend your 
Legislature to act in all their proceedings with 
Candour, Caution, and Strict Justice that our Ene- 
mies may have no occasion to clamour, which will 
certainly redound to their Honour and Reputation 
and make things easier for their Agent to appear 
in their Vindication ; I hope they will forgive the 
freedom I take after this sort w*''' I do assure thee is 
from a motive of true regard to their own advantage 
and welfare, being perswaded as I am that they are 
very sensible I have hitherto endeav^ according to 
my best understanding to vindicate the Rights and 
Privileees of their Charter and w'''' has been attended 
with Success, and the continuance whereof I esteem 
it my duty to persue. and further I must needs say 
respecting the above aspertions, it is not the first 
time that harsh Things have been vehemently utterd 
before the Lords of Trade as well as in the H? of 
Commons but as they were transient and not formal 
Complaints there was no occasion then to take any 
further notice of them. 

Yesterday dyed Henry Pelham Esq', which must 
make some alteration in the Ministry and they say 
Hen : Fox Esq' Sec'^ at War is likely to succeed him, 
but its uncertain, as Chancelor of the Excheq' &c,^ and 
on this occasion both Houses of Parliam* have ad- 

1 Newcastle became First Lord of the Treasury in his brother's place, and was re- 
garded as Prime Minister. Henry Fox became Secretary of State in 1755, following 
Sir Thomas Robinson. 



142 Correspondence of the 

journ'd to the I2'^ or 14 Inst — for the rest I refer 
thee to the Magazines and News Papers herewith 
sent of which I desire thy acceptance from 
Thy assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

To Governor Greene. 



RICHARD partridge TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London f^ mo or July 30. 1754 
Gov^. Greene 

I wrote thee last of the 2^ of 4*^ mo. per Cap' 
Rodman to which I refer having Since that rec^ none 
of thy favours. This now comes at the request of 
Thom? Stephens who is a Gentleman as I apprehend 
well acquainted with the method of making potash, 
which he has satisfied the Kings Ministers in, and 
they have agreed w'*" him as I am informed on Terms 
suitable to a dozin years labour and as many hund"^ 
Pounds St!" w*"*" he alledges he has expended.^ 

I need not say that the Ministry w^ be as glad so 
valuable a Branch of Commerce to this Kingdom sh*^ 
Succeed (for making Returns) in the Colonies as 
People there wou'd be themselves. 

I was present before the Lords of Trade when he 
was examin'd very particularly as to his Abilities in 
making this Comodity, and which according to my 
observance and judgment was demonstrated very evi- 

1 In October, 1753, the Assembly granted to Moses Lopez of Newport the sole right 
of manufacturing potash in the colony, for a term of ten years. Col. Rec. of R, I., 
v. 376. 



Colojtial Governors of Rhode Island 143 

dently as to the goodness of the quality wherein the 
Lords took a good deal of pains at the Examination. 

the price here of Russia potash (w'''' I understand 
is the best) is commonly Sold at 35/ per Sterl^ and it 
is expected it may be made considerably cheaper in 
our Plantations so as to under sell the East Country 
Commodity especially too as the Duty w*'^ is about 
£6 — a Tun, is lately taken off by Act of Parliament. 

As he now goes over to America on purpose to 
set this Manufacture on foot, the Colonies promot- 
ing it might be grateful to the Duke of Newcastle 
and other Personages of note who are disposed to 
encourage it, as well as of Service to the Colonies 
I am Thy assured Friend 

RicH° Partridge 

the taking of the duty of Potash is owing princi- 
pally to the industry of the above s^ Gentleman and 
without him I really beleive it had not been done. 

To William Greene Esq! 

Governour of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 8 mo : (Aug'.') 22* : 1754. 

Gov^. Greene 

My last to thee was of 30^!" Ult^ per Tho? Stephens 
a Gent" gone over to New England to promote the 
Manufacture of Pot ash in our Plantations encour- 
aged by the Ministry here. 

1 See preceding letter. 



144 Correspondence of the 

All Matters at present remain quiet respecting 
your Colony but I am apprehensive next Sessions 
of Parliam! (which is to meet in November next for 
dispatch of business) something will be on the Car- 
pet relating to the West India Trade, about which I 
shall be on the Watch. 

The Kings Ministers of late have been very intent 
and anxious as I apprehend on the Incroachm? of 
the French on the Territories of our Plantations 
about the River Ohio on the back of Virginia, Pen- 
sylvt &c^ and Special Orders are again lately gone 
over to the Gov!" of Virginia &ct thereupon : with 
orders as I have been informed, and Credit given 
to draw Bills for a Considerable Sum (besides what 
the Provinces thereabouts will advance themselves) 
in order to raise Forces Sufficient to repel force by 
force, for the rest I refer to the Prints herewith sent, 
and remain 

Thy assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

To Governour Greene 
of Rhode Island &c 



governor greene to governor sharpe. 

Newport Rhode Island Nov! 28'.'' 1754. 
Sir 

Your fav' of the 8'^ of Novem' Currant,^ I This 
Day Received by which You Request Some Assist- 
ance from this Government To Repel the encroach- 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 403. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 145 

ments that the French are and have Been making on 
his Majesty's Dominions in Your Parts of the Con- 
tinent ; ^ and wherein You also Request that I Will 
Use my Indeavour with the Generall Assembly of 
this Colony to Procure Such Supplies either of Men 
or Money, as the Exigency of affairs Does at this 
Time Demand ; Sir you may Depend I Shall Strictly 
observe Your Request And Communicate the Same 
to the General Assembly of this Colony at their Next 
Meeting, which will be on the Last Munday in Feb- 
ruary Next; And Shall Move it In the most pressing 
manner That they at the first opening of the Assem- 
bly, Will take the Same into Consideration : And 
Shall Inform you of theire Resolve as Soon as may 
be, but if You Should be of opinion that it will be 
to late In the Spring then to Answer the Intention 
and Design Please to Signifie it to me as Soon as 
may be That I may Govern my Self Accordingly 
I am Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant 

W. G 

Govr Maryland 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London Decf the p'*" 1754. 
Gov^. Greene 

My last to thee was of 9*!^ and 23^ Octo' per Cap! 
Bruce via Boston since w'.'' I have rec^ none of thy 
favours 



1 See hitroduciion, p. xxxvi. The Assembly met in January, in response to a letter 
from Secretary Robinson calling for troops. This is printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., 
v. 406. See for action of the Assembly, Ibid., V. 404. 

VOL. II. 



146 Correspondence of the 

The Parliament has now been sitting from the I4*^ 
ult but I dont understand any thing has been yet on 
the Carpet there relating to the Northern Colonies 
except some Resolutions of Grants for Money for the 
2 Regim*^ to be raised in America &c/ the Trans- 
ports w* the Forces destin'd for Virginia by this time 
may probably be got to Ireland from whence they 
will doubtless depart with all Expedition and as we 
hear carry with them 36000, ounces and upwards of 
Silver tow*^.^ Support of the Troops when they get to 
Virginia. 

The old Sugar and Mollasses Act expires at the 
End of this Sessions of Parliam* and Scarce any body 
beleives it will be renewd again in the same Shape 
as it was for that it is conjectured the duty will be 
considerably lowerd on Mollasses w'^^ we suppose will 
be no ways Grateful to the West India Gentlemen. 

I think the apprehensions now of general War 
seems to abate, for the rest I refer to the Print here 
inclosed and to the Magazine &c of the last month 
w*".*" I send for thee to my Correspond! And^ Oliver 
of Boston to be forwarded by a private hand wherein 
thou wilt see the Substance of the Kings Speech to 
the Parliam! and the House of Lords and Commons 
Addresses. 

Inclosed is a Copy of an Advertizm! printed in 
our London Gazette of 22^ Jan7 last, and as it is 
published by Authority it may be depended on as 
real and genuine, w''.'' is a discovery for converting 
Sea Water into fresh and doubtless may be of great 
Utility to Seafaring Men which I thought proper to 

1 See letter of Secretary Robinson in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 406. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 147 

send thee it shoud not have been with you before. 
Josh^ Appleby the Inventor was one of our Society^ 
who is since deceased and his Representatives are 
about applying to Parliam! for a Suitable Reward. I 
am with due Respects to thySelf &c Gentl" &c 
Thy and their assured Friend 

R^ Partridge 

To William Greene Esq'' 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO DEPUTY-GOVERNOR GARDNER.^ 

Boston Jan? 13'.'' 1755 
Sir, 

I am favour'd with your Letter of the 4*^ Instant^ 
by M^ Chace. 

I wish every English Colony in North America 
was animated, Sir, with the same Spirit and Zeal 
for his Maj^.'^ Service and the general Welfare of his 
Colonies, that the Governm! of Rhode Island hath 
shown in the Instance of it mention'd in the letter 
w'^.'' I have the honour to recieve from you, at this 
Critical Conjuncture of Affairs. 

I am in daily Expectation of recieving his Majes- 
ty's further Commands from the R' Hon^!*" Sir Thomas 

1 The Society of Friends. 

2 John Gardner served Rhode Island as boundary commissioner in 1737, commis- 
sary-general in the war of 1744, deputy-governor in 1754, and again, from 1756 until his 
death in 1764. 

8 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 405, See also the act of Assembly for raising a 
company of one hundred men. 



148 Correspondence of the 



Robinson, and the R* Hon^^^ Mr Fox his Majy.'^ prin- 
cipal Secretary at Warr, and will upon the reciept 
of them do my self the honour to give your letter a 
particular Answer in every respect. 

I beg, in the mean time, you would make my Com- 
plim*? to his Honour Governour Green, and assure 
him that I have a very great regard and respect for 
him and every Branch of his Governm!, as I have a 
particular one for your self, being, 
Hon^}^ Sir, 

Your most Humble and most Obedient Servant 

W Shirley 

P. S. Last Saturday I prorogu'd the Assembly of 
this Province to the 5'!" of Feb^, when they will meet 
upon business of importance. 

Hon"* John Gardner Esqf 



HENRY BABCOCK TO THOMAS WARD. 

Westerly Feb 8. 1755 

Your Favour of Octob' 8 together with the inclosed 
Act of Parliament had the Pleasure to receive, for 
which I take this Opportunity of returning You my 
grateful Acknowledgements. And as you was pleased 
to advise us of agreeing on the 4 Days in which to 
exercise ; pursuant to your Directions we have agreed. 
The Days are — Last Monday in March. First 
Monday in May ; after the general Election. First 
Monday in September. Last Monday in October. 

We wait only for our Charter and Commissions — 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 149 

as we have raised a Company and like to have near 
a hundred if nothing should impede it more than is 
imagined. 

The Officers are the same with this small Altera- 
tion our Ensign we have stiled 2^ Lieutenant — 
Henry Babcock Cap* John Champlin first Lieu".* 
Ichabod Babcock Ju' 2^ Lieu°* I am S"^ 

your most obedient most obliged and very humble 
Ser* 

Henry Babcock 

Thomas Ward Esqf 

In Council 

Feb. 8'? 1755. The Choice of Officers for the Artillery Compy 
of Westerly and Charlestown is approved and the Secretary is 
directed to make a Charter and Commissions accordingly 

By Ord' 

Tho. Ward Secretary 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

Boston March 26, 1755 
Sir. 

I herewith Inclose you a Copy of the Report of a 
Committee of the General Assembly of this Province, 
accepted by the whole Court relating to the imme- 
diate Prosecution of the intended Expedition for 
securing these Colonies against the Encroachments 
of the French/ with a Proclamation which I have 



1 In a letter of Shirley of February 24, 1755 (printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 414), 
the plan of " the intended expedition " is detailed. In concert with Governor Law- 
rence of Nova Scotia he had planned an attack on Fort Beausejour, " upon the isthmus 



150 Correspondence of the 

already issued for raising Soldiers within this Pro- 
vince for that Service, as also a Form of a Commis- 
sion to be given by the Several Governours to their 
Respective Officers, for your Honours Consideration; 
It seeming proper that these Commissions should be 
issued in one Form. Your Honour will be pleased 
to observe that our Assembly have engaged to Col? 
Johnson to pay their Proportion of the Charge of 
the Indians of the Six Nations, that may be retained 
in the Service, which is done in Confidence that the 
other Governments will join with Us ; Therefore it 
is necessary that Col? Johnson should be seasonably 
apprized of the Resolution of the other Governments 
as to this Article, that so he may act with Safety as 
to his Agreement with those Indians ; for this Rea- 
son I have written already to Col° Johnson, and hope 
your Honour will do the like : There must be some 
Proportion of Cannon and Warlike Stores for the 
Use thereof provided by every Government, which 
Your Honour will be pleased to take Care of in your 
own Government. 

I am with very Great Regard, Sir, 
Your Honour's most Humble and most Obedient 

Servant, 

W Shirley 

His Honour William Green Esqr 

of the peninsula," and was anxious that at the same time the forces of the southern 
colonies should march against the French posts in the Ohio country, while troops 
from New York, New Jersey, and New England should attack and fortify Crown 
Point, the key to Lake Champlain. Shirley proposed to send 1200 men from Massa- 
chusetts, and to give the command to Colonel William Johnson, Superintendent of 
Indian Affairs. 

Rhode Island voted 400 men for the Crown Point expedition, and, by a later vote, 
that deficiencies in these companies might be filled up by the Indians of the Six Na- 
tions. Col. Rec. of R. /., v. 418, 430. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 1 5 ^ 



THOMAS CRANSTON AND PETER BOURS ^ TO THE COMMITTEE 



OF WAR 



Newport Rhode Island May 22* 1755 
Geji'" 

If itt Should bee thought advisable to dispatch 
Cap! Coles ^ Company next week the article of pow- 
der is wanting we Should think itt the Surest way 
to have itt in Season, to purchas itt in Boston, if 
to be had, and Sent up in a cart, be So good as to 
think of itt, and if you purchas armes and Blanketts, 
purchas powder allso if posable, wee made mention of 
your purchasing provitions in our last, if you canot 
purchas, them, with you, wee Should bee glad to know 
itt as Soone as posable, from yr 

Hum^ Serv'.^ 

Tho. Cranston 
Peter Bours 



THE COMMITTEE OF WAR TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS.* 

Newport May 27'." 1755 
Gent"^ 

We have rec^ your Letters,^ and note the Con- 
tents, and are of opinion that it wou'd be best to 
have 300 Blankets, and 100 Small arms, with all 

1 Two deputies from Newport. 

2 This body " of five or more suitable persons " had powers of general supervision 
and direction over the enlistments, transportation, payment, and execution of the com- 
mands of the home government, during the recess of the General Assembly. See Col. 
Rec. of R. /., V. 410. 

3 Edward Coles, captain of the first company of the troops for Crown Point. 

* For an account of Hopkins, see p. xxxv of the Introduction. He was governor 
of Rhode Island from 1755 to 1757, 1758 to 1762, 1763 to 1765, and in 1767. 
5 See letter of May 22. 



152 Corresponde7ice of the 

Expidition from Boston, We expect to make up 100 
Blankets in this Town, and 100 Small Arms; the 
Pork you have, Reserve for the Expidition ; what 
arms more may be Wanting must take of the Gov- 
ernments and Replace them as soon as possible, as 
we wou'd not have the Colony Destitute. 

We shou'd be glad to have the Presents of his 
Honr the Governi^ here as soon as he can, and We 
think it Absolutely necessary, 

We are Gen"? 

Your most obed' hum Serv* 



THE COMMITTEE OF WAR TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS.' 

Newport June 4'? 1755 
Gentlemen^ 

We think it necessary for the Transports You 
have at Providence to be sent to Newport as soon as 
possible to take on Board Part of the Provisions pur- 
chased for the Forces and Tents &c. We choose to 
put as much of each Article as appertains to a Com- 
pany on Board each Vessel, if the Small Arms and 
Blanketts are arrived from Boston You can send 
too of the latter for the Use of the Southern Forces. 
We are with Esteem Gent" 

Yr most obedient humble Serv*? 

JoNA Nichols 
Tho^ Cranston 
Peter Bours 

1 See note to preceding letter. 2 See letters of May 22 and 27, 1755. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 153 

P. S. we give five hundred pounds to Each of our 
Transports they finding water Casks and platforms 
for the men. 

To The Hon"^ Stephen Hopkins and Dan^ Jenks 
Esq-- 

att Providence 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

7 mo. July the 4'.'' 1755 

Governor Hopkins^ 

As I am lately inform'd from your Colony that at 
the late Election there for a Governour the Choice 
has fallen upon thee I therefore take this Opportu- 
nity via Philadel^ to congratulate thee thereon and 
look upon it my Duty to Inform thee from Time to 
Time of such Occurrences here as may affect the 
Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 
My last letter directed to the Governour thereof 
(which was for the Time being) was of the 24.5mo 
or May to which I refer. We understand that great 
preparations are making in No America to repulse 
the Encroachments of the French and which our 
Governm* here too seem to have very much at Heart ; 
Scarce ever were more vigorous Naval Armaments 
carried on than has been of late, we hear your Col- 
ony has raised 400 Men for some Expedition but I 
don't remember to have had any Notice of it by let- 
ter from any Person there, we are Still quite at an 
Uncertainty relating to War or Peace, if there should 



154 Correspondence of the 

be a Rupture it's expected it will begin in America.^ 
The King continues in his Germain Dominions still 
but is expected to return sometime before the Parlia- 
ment Meets in Novem'' next when very probably some 
matters relating to the Plantations will be brought on 
the Carpet. There has been of Late a Rumour as if 
a War with the Sallee ^ was likely to happen because 
of their having taken an English Ship and carried 
her into one of their Ports, but that is now all blown 
over the Said Ship being restored which we have 
from the Publick Authority in the Gazette, the Para- 
graph is as follows; " Gibralter May the 3o'^ 1755 
" Capt Maplesdon in his Majesties Sloop Fortune 
" return'd hither this day from Sallee with the Vessel 
" Cargo Crew and passeng" lately siezed off Arzilla 
" by a Salletine Cruizer which has been restored 
" without the least plunder or embezlement, and the 
" most Solemn protestations have been made by the 
" Bashaw and Government that they are determined 
" to Shew the greatest Regard to the English Nation 
" and Colours, on the arrival of this Vessel and peo- 
" pie from Sallee Several Moors whom the Govf had 
" detained here on Acc^ of the late Capture were 
" immediately Set at liberty 

This I judged necessary to advise thee of also and 

1 For the colonists the war began when Fort Duquesne was built on the headwaters 
of the Ohio. War was a practical fact when Jumonville was discovered and defeated 
near Great Meadows in 1754. For Europe, however, war was in anticipation until 
Boscawen's fleet met and defeated three French ships, June S, 1755. 

2 Also Salee and Sale. A seaport on the coast of Morocco, and a stronghold of the 
Mediterranean pirates. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 155 

remain with due Respects to thyself, Gentlem" of the 
Council and H? of Representatives 

Thy Assured Friend 

RichP Partridge 

Stephen Hopkins Esq^ 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London 8 m? or Aug? S'."" 1755. 
Gov"". Hopkins, 

I Wrote thee of 4'^ and 7*^ Ult. via Philadelphia, 
to w* I referr thee, and as now we Seem to be at the 
Eve of a War, I judged it necessary to be frequent 
in my Advices, and there being no Ship just now 
likely to Sail for New England, I send this via Hali- 
fax, to acquaint thee, that, no War is yet Proclaimed 
either by the French or English, that we hear of, 
and People vary in their Opinions about it, but this 
I think may be relyed on that our Ministry will 
Scarce do it, till the French Declares ; yet our Naval 
Preparations continue still vigourously, and Adm! 
Hawke is lately Sailed with a Strong Fleet of large 
Men of War, but their destine is kept a profound 
Secret. The taking of the two French Men of Warr 
and their Forts at Chignecto, is highly resented by 
the French ; ^ Now People here are in daily expecta- 

1 The only successful portion of the fourfold campaign. See note to letter of March 
26, 1755. 



156 Correspondence of the 

tion about the Success of our other Forces in Amer- 
ica on their Sev! Expeditions, and I believe are most 
in fear for that under Gen! Braddock, lest the French 
sho^ be more numerous at the Ohio, than was ex- 
pected : The King is not yet returned from Hanover 
but probably it will not be long first. 

As to the affair wrote to me of, by your late Gov- 
ernor Green,^ concerning Cannon &c. for your For- 
tification at Newport, I have been with Si" Tho : 
Robinson and delivered him the Letter wrote to him 
on that Subject, who received me Courteously, and 
read it while I was present I desired his favourable 
influence for obtaining what was desired or to that 
purpose, but he Seemed to excuse himself, alledging 
their ordnance was pretty much Exhausted, in So 
much that Some Cannon was lately refused to be 
Granted for Halifax and directed me to the Council 
Office for my application, accordingly I wrote to 
Lord President a Letter inclosing with it a Copy of 
the Profil of the Fortification, and of the Letter to 
Si" Tho : Robinson, and lodged a proper Petition at 
the Council Office also to be considered at the next 
following Committee, w*^.^ Comt"^.^ of Council Sate 
Yesterday, when I attended, but the Lord Presid* 
was not willing to do anything in relation to our 
affair nor to any other application of the like kind, 
— as I understood by the Clerk of the Council, which 
were then Soliciting for ; but notwithstanding this I 
intend to try If I can get it, put in the estimate ag'.' 
next Sessions of Parliament 

I am with Respects to thy Self and the Gent" 

1 See instructions given by the Assembly, Col. Rec. of R. I,, V. 411. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 157 

of the Council and House of Representatives Thy 
assured Friend 

RiCH° Partridge 

I am now at the 23^^ D° No War is yet proclaimed, 
and it seems now to be confirmed that the King of 
Spain has determined to keep in Friendship with the 
English w*"*" doubtless is a great Baulk to the French 

R P. 
To Stephen Hopkins Esq^ 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



GOVERNOR HOPKINS TO THE TWO HOUSES OF ASSEMBLY. 

To the Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly, in the 

Colony of Rhode Island. 
Gentlemen, 

To give you an opportunity of knowing the pre- 
sent position of Affairs in North America ; and, of 
exerting your selves according to your Abilitys, for 
putting them in a better Condition : hath occasioned 
your being called together at this Time. 

The Defeat, of the English Army at the River 
Monogohala,^ The Death of the General, and many 
other brave Officers, The loss, of so many Men ; with 
all the Artillery, Provisions, and Military Stores; 
are events, that must greatly Alarm all the North- 
ern Colonys ; and fill them, with a concern that must 

1 The defeat of General Braddock, July 9, 1755. 



158 Correspondence of the 

increase, as they consider ; that, it will greatly em- 
bolden, and strengthen the French ; and secure and 
encourage their Indians ; and proportionally dis- 
hearten ours. That, it lays the Inhabitants of several 
Colonys open, to savage depredations, which have 
been already begon, and will be continued, and in- 
creased. That, the French having nothing further 
to fear from that Army, will be at liberty, largely to 
reenforce their Garrisons at Crown Point, and Niag- 
ara; and, thereby Defeat our Attempts against them. 
Should that be the Case, the Consequences must 
prove almost fatal to the English intrests in North 
America. Then, all those Indians who now waver 
in our interest ; will despise and forever forsake us : 
this will not only double the Number of our Enemys, 
but also lay our whole Country open to their Attacks; 
even from Nova Scotia to North Carolinia. When 
to this is added, the great danger of loseing our men, 
now in those services, with all their Provisions, and 
Military Stores : I am perswaded every man will be 
roused ; and exert himself to the Utmost, to prevent 
the Distress, and Ruin, that at this Time so immi- 
nently threatens his Native Country. 

In order to this, I must in the strongest terms, 
recomend to you, the raising as many more Men ; 
and taking every other Measure, in the Power of this 
Colony for effectually strengthening, and Supporting 
the Expedition against Crown Point : upon the suc- 
cess of which, the safety of the Colonys, and more es- 
pecially those of New England immediately depend. 

And, I hope none of you, will be the less in earnest 
in this Matter, becase this Colony might not be the 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 159 

first, that would feel the dismal effects of a defeat : 
but, rather let all consider themselves, as Subjects of 
the same Gracious Sovereign ; and member of the 
same general Society ; which, it is equally the Duty, 
and Intrest of all to defend. Niether let any think, 
that expence can be burthensome ; which is Abso- 
lutely Necessary, and duly laid out, in Preserving 
those invaluable Libertys, and Priviledges we enjoy : 
and in the defence of our Native Country, when it is 
in danger/ 

Step. Hopkins 
Council Chamber, Newport 11 of August 1755. 



COLONEL WILLIAM JOHNSON ^ TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 
Camp at the Great Carrying Place ^ 20 Aug' 1755. 
Sir, 

Colonel Harris ^ is the Bearer of these Lines to 
Your Honour, he has applied to me for leave to go 
home in order to Sollicit for Cloathing and some 
other Matters relating to the Regt under his Com- 
mand, and w'^'' I beleive will be found necessary to be 
sent them ; Upon this Account, and as Lieut Colonel 
Cole^ is a very active and agreable officer I have 
consented to Col. Harris going. 

1 The Assembly, thus convened, " enacted that three companies of fifty men each, 
including officers, be raised, and sent by land unto Albany." Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 
440. 

2 An Irishman, nephew of Sir Peter Warren, at first agent for Warren's estates on 
the Mohawk, later Superintendent of Indian Affairs. See note on p. 150. 

3 See note to letter of September i, 1755. 
* Colonel of the Rhode Island regiment. 
5 See note to letter of May 22, 1755. 



i6o Correspondence of the 

The Great Variety of Business in w*"^ I am en- 
gaged will not permit me to be further particular, 
but Col Harris will inform You of those Matters w'^'' 
my time will not suffer me to do. 
I am Sir 

Your Honours Most Obed' hum serv* 

Wm. Johnson 

Capt Wraxall who is my SectY and Aid de Camp 
and Judge Advocate to the Troops, desires his re- 
spectful Salutations to Your Honour. 

To the Honourable Governor Hopkins. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO MESSRS. NICHOLS, CRANSTON, AND 

BOURS. 

London 8 mo. or Aug!' 28. 1755. 

My Fr^ Jon'^ Nicholls Tho'. Cranston and Peter 

Bours 

Yours dated I2'^ July I have duly rec"? the 26'!^ 
Inst, relating to the Marquis de Lambertye ^ &ct and 
the next day I went and communicated it to Sir 
Tho' Robinson Sec7 of State, and when he read the 
letter, he intimated that he had known him formerly, 
and seemed to approve of the Seizure of the 2 Ves- 
sels you mention, that as to Lambertye whom I think 
he stiled a Count, as none of his Papers were sent 

1 A vessel belonging to the Marquis de Lambertie put into Newport in June, and 
was seized and condemned by the court of admiralty, while the marquis was impris- 
oned until an opportunity offered of sending him to England. See the act of Assem- 
bly in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 423. M. de Lambertie could obtain no redress. Arnold, 
History of Rhode Island^ II. 197. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island i6i 

over he did not apprehend they could do any thing 
to him, but intended to lay the Letter before the 
Lords of the Regency who are to meet the 2^ of 
next mo'^ — and perhaps I may afterwards heare 
more about it, — L^ Halifax was at the Sec'f of States 
at the same time when I was there and very probably 
they might confer together about it, for before I was 
called in to Sir Thomas's Room I had acquainted 
Lf Halifax of it and Shewed him your Letter who 
signified that the Ministry ought to be acquainted 
with it. 

Sep*' 3d. I was this day up at Whitehal on the 
Watch after the Marquiss De Lamberty and find he 
has been at the Sec7 of States Office, I suppose 
about getting an order for the delivering up of his 
Ship and Cargo or the produce thereof which has 
been Condemned at Rhode Island and I hear that 
Affair was laid before the Lords of the Regency yes- 
terday and was referrd to the Attorney Gene', where- 
upon I went to that Gent^ Chamber and desired 
when the Referrence came that I might have notice 
to attend before any Report be made (the AttornT 
Gen! himself being at his Country Seat) and I design 
to attend w*^ my SoU accordingly in behalf of the 
Colony and Collector, but its pitty there was not 
sent me some further Instructions and Papers relat- 
ing thereto. 

No War is declared yet,^ about which we are still 
in the dark, but the King I hear is to set out from 
Hanover for England the 8*^ Inst, and when he 
arrives we Shall probably soon know what will be 

1 War was not declared until May i8, 1756. 
VOL. II. 



1 62 Correspondence of the 

done in that respect — One of our Men of War has 
lately brought 4 French Merchant Ships into Ports- 
mouth, but some think they will be set at liberty 
again ; for the rest I refer to the Prints here inclosed 
and intend to write again per Cap* Rodman who 
talks of Sailing in about 4 days time, interim I rest 

Your assured Friend 

RP Partridge 



a summons to the sheriff of kent county. 

Colony of Rhode Island and Soforth 

To the Sheriff of our County of Kent, or to his Deputy, Greeting 

Whereas the honorable Major General Johnson by a Letter 
dated the 24*.'' of August from his Camp at the Great Carrying 
Place ^ hath advised that the French in and about their Fort at 
Cfown Point may of themselves out-number the Army under his 
Command, that they make take Post and fortify themselves in 
some advantagious Place between him and Crown Point &c. 
which renders a Strong and Speed[y] Reinforcement absolutely 
necessary to enable him to perform the Service which the Army 
under him was raised for. And whereas his Honor the Governor 
of Connecticutt by a Letter of the 29 Ult. has advised Me that 
the General Assembly of said Colony upon his communicating 
unto Them Letters of the like Import had ordered Fifteen Hun- 
dred Men to be raised and added unto the Five Hundred which 
they had before raised as a Reinformcement unto the said General 
Johnson, And forasmuch as another Defeat from the French at 
the present critical Conjuncture of Affairs will have a natural 
Tendency to Secure to themselves the Interest of the Indians 
and probably render all North America an easy Conquest unto 

1 The carry between Fort Lyman on the Hudson (rechristened Fort Edward by 
Johnson in honor of one of the King's grandsons) and the headwaters of Lake George. 
There Johnson's men had an engagement with the French under Dieskau, on Septem- 
ber 8, 1755. Johnson was made a baronet and given £2000 by Parliament. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 163 

the Arms of France and thereby reduce us unto the fatal Neces- 
sity of Sacrificing our Religious and Civil Liberties unto the Am- 
bition of an Arbitrary Monarch whose Religion is not only Cruel 
but destructive of the Rights of Mankind 

I have therefore thought proper by and with the Advice of 
such Members as I have had Opportunity to confer with upon 
this important Occasion to Summon a General Assembly. 

These are therefore in his Majesty's Name to require you and 
you are required on Sight hereof forthwith to Notify all the Mem- 
bers of the General Assembly within your County living of the 
Premises and to Summon them to appear at Newport on Monday 
next then and there to deliberate and perform what further is 
necessary to be done by this Colony for the Service of his Ma- 
jesty and the Interest of his People. Hereof you are not to fail 
but Return Make According to Law how you Conduct yourself in 
the Execution of this Precept.^ 

GIVEN under my Hand and Seal at the Council Chamber 
in Newport the first Day of September 1755. and in the 
Twenty ninth Year of his Majesty's Reign 

Step Hopkins GovF 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO MESSRS. NICHOLS, CRANSTON, AND 

BOURS. 

London Sep 6'." 1755. 
My Frd. Jon''. Nichols Tho. Cranston Peter Bours. 

Since my last to you, of which inclosed is a Copy 
I have been again at the Attorney Generals, and got 
a Copy of the Marquis's Complaint to the Lords of 
the Regency, which I design to Send you here in- 
closed,^ it was delivered in French, but I have sfot it 
Translated into English, and have had a Sight of the 

1 The Assembly voted to send two hundred men to reinforce General Johnson. 
Col. Rec. of R. /., v. 449. 

2 See the following document. 



164 Correspondence of the 

Order of Referrence to the Attorney Gen!, wherein 
the Lords of the Regency directs, that as no Pro- 
ceedings were come over from Rhode Island of the 
Tryal and Condemnation of his Ship, He sho^ con- 
sider by what appears on the face of his Papers, what 
method must be taken for him to Appeal or to this 
Effect, to the best of my Remembrance. 

And yesterday Sir Thomas Robinson, Sent to de- 
sire to Speak w^*" Cap^ Car (as I Suppose) to enquire 
of him particularly, what he knows of this Case, and 
on the 8'^ instant, I intend to go thither with him 
having had a pretty deal of discourse with the Cap' 
before hand. 

And then by Cap' Rodman next Week, I shall be 
able to give you a further acco' of the affair. 

And in a few days I believe I Shall have Notice 
to attend the Attorney General, when I shall take 
my Solicitor with me in Order to defend the Pro- 
ceedings of the Colony: but I don't apprehend any 
Royal Order will be made out 'till those concerned 
in the Colony be Served with due Notice to make 
their defence and Justify their Conduct. 

I am Yoy Assured Friend. 

R? Partridge 

I find Cap' Car can contradict flatly Some of his 
assertions, contained in his Memorial. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 165 

MEMORIAL OF THE MARQUIS DE LAMBERTYE.^ 

Memorial presented to His Excellency Sf Thomas Robinson Min- 
ister Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the Southern 
Department. By the Marquiss de Lambertye Chamberl" to his 
Majesty the King of Poland Duke of Lorain and Bar. 

London r,' Sept. 1755. 
Sir, 

When I had taken leave of His Brittanick Majesty 
and his Ministers, and the Return of his Excellency 
the Duke de Mirapoia determined the Commission, 
with which the King my Master had Honoured me 
at this Court, I did not at all conceal the Project, I 
had formed with the Consent of his Most Christian 
Majesty of going to America as well to repair my 
Fortune as for Instruction by Travelling, that I might 
be in Condition again to Offer my Services to my 
Country, after profiting my Self of my leisure time in 
which I was out of all Employment, I did nothing as 
one may Say but pass thro' France Settle my affairs 
and Embarque for the Windward Islands, where I 
Stayed a Year. During my Stay there I employed 
my Self in Trade and went from thence in a Vessel 
of my own bound for Louisiana. 

I was forced to Stop for Refreshments on the 
South Side of S! Domingo and there lost my Ship 
and her Cargo and the greatest part of my Slaves 
who perished in a Hurricane on the ly'!" Sept. 1754. 

This Event determined me to wait on the Mar- 
quiss de Vaudreuil, who commanded for his Majesty 
the Leeward Islands. 

The favourable Treatment I had from this Gentle- 

1 Enclosed with letter of September 6, i755. 



1 66 Correspondence of the 

man and my own necessary Repairs detained me with 
him till 14 May of this present Year, there I applyed 
mySelf as before to Trading by Sea but Meeting 
with Misfortunes and very considerable losses chiefly 
owing to the bad Management of some Persons to 
whom I entrusted the care of my affairs, and willing 
besides to indulge my Taste for Travelling I put my 
Self on board a Vessell which I fitted out to go upon 
the Spanish Main in America, by a Series of Mis- 
fortunes and troubles, I was obliged as your Excel- 
lency will know to take Shelter in the first Port 
I cof make, and went into the Harbour of Rhode 
Island quite ignorant what Port it might be. Scarcely 
knowing that Such a Colony Existed. There I was 
Treated much more harshly then I sho^ have been 
on the Coast of Barbary. Not Satisfyed with Seizing 
my Vessell Cargo and Effects of every kind they im- 
prisoned my People and kept me in Confinement. 
There I was insulted and under constant apprehen- 
sion of being torn to pieces together with my Crew 
by a furious Sett of People moved by the present 
disorders, which interrupt the Trade on their Coast, 
without the ffreedom of which, these Inhabitants wo*? 
Suffer greatly. 

The pretence for Seizing my Vessell was, illicit 
Trade, which they Supposed I came to carry on 
there, and without Proof or any appearance of Such 
Intention or even the least formality, except a hasty 
proceeding in a Corner at Ten Miles distance, they 
Condemned my Effects. Afterwards my Person was 
Suspected, and finding Some of my Papers relating 
to Publick Affairs in which I had formerly been 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 167 

Employed, made them imagine I was come to New 
England with a Design to gain Intelligence, and 
afterwards to Form Some Enterprise against their 
Tranquillity, which being not at all confirmed by 
their reading my Papers, nor the Depositions of my 
Crew, which neither had nor cof have the Smallest 
Analogy with their Chimerical Suspicion, they re- 
turned my Papers after having Pillaged or Tore the 
greatest part of them. At length being more than 
ever enraged and unwilling to Seem to have done 
wrong, or to acknowledge it, they declared they wo^ 
not Suffer my departure to any part of the World. I 
Demanded of them to send me to London in case 
they Suspected me, that Your Excellency might your 
self Judge of this affair, and be Satisfyed as to my 
Person and my Intentions, which I at last obtained 
after much trouble and Pains. 

The Chief Men being thus incensed and the Pop- 
ulace quite furious, I Sir, every Moment exposed 
to the violent Outrages of a nest of Pirates, who 
acknowledge neither Laws nor Authority, In this 
Scituation did I pass a Month at Rhode Island. 

I Shall have the Honour of Presenting to your 
Excellency my Defence with proper Vouchers of my 
Conduct, and the most notorious Instances of the 
irregularity of this Colony. 

Whatever differences may have happened, between 
the two Nations, So long as War has not been 
declared on neither Side, their Ports I presume are 
open, to the Necessitous, and every Person agreeable 
to Treaties is intitled to the Protection of Foreisfn 
Powers. 



1 68 Correspondence of the 

But Suppose the Warr was kindled more fircely 
than ever, which God forbid ; I have always Ob- 
served, that a Person of known Quality has been 
Treated with Distinction while he did not Trans- 
gress the Laws or particular Orders of the Country, 
and that he might live Undisturbed under the pro- 
tection of those Laws, without being exposed to 
any injurious Treatment, unworthy of a Nation So 
respectable and generous as the English. 

It is in consequence of the Experience I have had 
of that, I think my Self Authorized to expect the 
most Speedy and ample Justice. 

I have not the Smallest Diffidence of your Ex- 
cellencys Equity — And most humbly beg you to 
Examine, with Some Attention the clear Evidences 
of the Justice of my Cause and also the incontest- 
able Proofs of the Injustice of that of the Colony 
of Rhode Island, which I shall have the Honour of 
Presenting to your Excellency as Soon as I have 
been able to Collect together the Materials I have 
brought with me for my own Justification. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND, 

London Sep. lo'.'' 1755 
My Fr^f Jo7i": Nicholls Tho : Cranston and Peter 

Bours 

Agreeable to what I wrote you last of the 6*1* in- 
stant,^ I have been with Capt. Carr at Si^ Tho. Robin- 
sons, as He wanted to Speak with the Captain to get 

1 See the preceding letter. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 169 

what further information he could, relating to the 
Marquiss de Lambertye ; The Marquis having been 
Solliciting for his Trunks of Cloaths &c. which were 
detained for his own and his four Servants Passages, 
and after Some discourse wherein the Capt. gave as 
clear an Acco! as co^ be expected of Him, the Mar- 
quis came in also to us; And upon the whole Sf 
Tho : proposed that his Things Should be delivered 
Him, and that upon the Appeal ag' the Condemna- 
tion of his Ship, when it came to be heard here, if 
it Sho^ be confirmed, the said Passages which is 
charged together at 45! 3? o^ Sterl Should be paid 
but of the value of the Seizure, but if the Judgment 
should be reversed, then Sr Thomas himself would 
take care, that the said Sum Should be deducted, 
.and allowed out of the value of what was to be re- 
stored to the Marquiss ; and that in the meantime, 
the Agent for the Colony Sho*? pay the said Money 
for the Passage to the Owners of the Ship to clear 
them, and requested that I wo^ do it, which accord- 
ingly as I Saw he earnestly desired it, I complyed 
with, which was to his, and the Marquis's Satisfac- 
tion ; and I have advanced and paid the Money to 
the Capt. and an Order has been made, for the deliv- 
ery of them agreeable thereto. For Sr Thomas inti- 
mated, that as the Case was Circumstanced, it was 
no ways proper for the Government here to interfere 
and pay the Money, in as much as there was no Evi- 
dence appeared of his being Sent over, as having 
been a Spy, or as a Prisoner, but that the Proceed- 
ings of the Tryal of this Ship, and Cargo had been 
at Law or a Civil Court in the Colony, and Con- 



170 Correspondence of the 

demned on the Navigation Act of the 7 and 8th of 
King Will'" and as to the other Ship, I don't find 
yet the Marquis pretends to any Appeal or to lay 
any Claim. 

In our discourse, I found that the Marquis owns 
himself a Subject of King Stanislaus, the Duke of 
Lorain and Bar, which Dukedom in case of a War 
between England and France, He says, will be Neu- 
tral, but that is doubtful, and he owns also, that His 
Prince has allowed him to be employed in the Ser- 
vice of France Sometimes, and I also perceived, that 
Sr Thomas Robinson was acquainted with him for- 
merly, and knew Some of his Relations. 

As for the reflections relating to the uncivil Treat- 
ment he met with in Rhode Island, that was taken 
off by Capt. Carr, who Signifyed that it was quite 
otherwise, for that he had been well treated there, 
and like a Gentleman which then he could not deny 
before the Secretary of State, I have reta^ the Attor- 
ney Gen! for us in case there sho*? be an Appeal 
Granted, which will be attended with Expence, So. 
that if it must be defended, I must have proper In- 
structions and Remittance. And it is to be Consid- 
ered, if it be not Defended, the danger will be of an 
Order being granted Exparte, and large Damages 
given, for as I remember Sr Thomas told us, that the 
Marquis had computed the value of his Ship and 
Cargo at ab! ^3000 Sterl. 

And Sr Thomas Robinson desired me to write to 
your Government that the Marquis's Men may be 
all Set at Liberty, and Sent to Eustacia, that is Sup- 
pose if any Opportunity offered for that place, or 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 171 

otherwise they might be at Hberty to go where they 
thought fit. and now as I have actually paid Capt. 
Carr ^45 3^ for the Passages afores"! (which I co"? not 
well refuse to comply with, for the Honour and Re- 
putation of the Colony, and which otherwise might 
have given offence) ; I have drawn a Bill on you 
together with the Collector for ^50 Sterl. payable at 
30 days Sight to Jos : Jacob in Bills of Exchange 
for Great Britain, which I make no doubt will meet 
with due Honour. 

And at the Same time, when we were with S' Tho. 
Robinson, and having So good an Opportunity (for 
we were together an hour and a half) I delivered him 
a Duplicate of the Governors Letter, with the Profil 
of the Fortification relating to Cannon and Stores,^ 
and also put [into] his Hand a fresh Petition, now 
to the Lords of the Regency, and earnestly requested 
his favour therein, my late PetV before being to the 
L'l' Committee of Council, on the footing of my 
former application, and I remain in Some hopes of 
Success, but cannot really depend on it. No War is 
yet proclaimed by the English or French that we 
here of, but it's Still almost daily expected, our Men 
of War have lately begun to take all the French 
Merchant Ships they meet with by way of reprizals, 
about 18 or 20 of which have been brought into our 
Sea Ports, for the rest I refer to the Magazine, and 
Prints herew^^ Sent, of which I desire your Accept- 
ance, from 

Your assured Friend 

RP Partridge 

1 This letter was ordered written by the Assembly, in February, 1755. Col. Rec. 
of R.I.,V. ^11. 



172 Correspondence of the 

4*?" Oct. No War is yet Proclaimed, about which 
we are Still in the Dark. The King arrived here at 
London the 16 inst. 

Nothing is done in de Lambertye's affair yet, by 
the Attorney General, nor likely to be, till he comes 
to Town, about 3 Weeks hence ; but the Marquis has 
Exhibited another Paper in French in behalf of De 
Valois, of which I have obtained a Copy from the 
Attorney Gen'f Ofifice, and have got it Translated, 
which I send you here inclosed,-^ and keep also a Copy 
of both my Self. 

Our Men of War continue their taking French 
Prizes, and its thought now that upwards of 150 
Sail, have been brought into our Harbours ; ^ On the 
other Hand the French have only taken one of our 
Ships (as we hear of for certain) which is a 20 Gun 
Man of Warr, with the New Gov' of So: Carolina 
on Board,^ but have Since released both, and they 
are actually come back to England. 

R P 

To Stephen Hopkins Esq!" 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island &c. 
Providence. 

1 Not in the Archives. 

2 The English government instructed Admiral Hawke to take all French ships-of- 
war and merchantmen ; letters of marque were issued, and by the end of the year three 
hundred French traders and seven or eight thousand sailors were brought into English 
ports. Lecky, England in the Eighteenth Century (ed. Appleton), II. 356. 

8 William Henry Lyttelton, a descendant of Sergeant Lyttelton, author of the cel- 
ebrated treatise on English tenures. McGrady, South Carolina, II. 321. 



Colo7tial Governors of Rhode Island 173 

RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London Octo. 4. 1755 
Goif. Hopkhis^ 

I having lately writ to the Comm** of War on 
Some of the Affairs of the Colony I thought it also 
my duty to send thee a Copy of the Same w'''' comes 
herew'^ whereto I refer thee, and a News Paper 
desiring thy acceptance of it. Notwithstanding my 
Endeavours hitherto in my applic^' to the L'^^ Com- 
mittee of Council and also to Si" Thof Robinson the 
Sec*^ of State for Stores/ and tho' I earnestly pressd 
him as far as I dared I am now doubtful of Success, 
the Parliam' is to meet for Business 13 next Month, 
I hope my Bill of ^150. Sterl is paid. I am w"" 
respects Thy assured Friend 

R° Partridge 
To Stephen Hopkins Esq*" 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island &c 

Providence 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO DEPUTY-GOVERNOR NICHOLLS. 

London Novf 19'? 1755. 
JoJt". Nicholls Esq'' 

My last to thee was of 4*^ Ult. since which I have 
rec^ none of thy Favours, As to the Matter relating 
to the Marq^ De Lambertie, it lays still as it did be- 
fore the Attorney Gen! who has yet made no Report 
thereupon and when he will do it is very uncertain. 

As for Publick News the Parliam* Assembled the 

1 See the preceding letter. 



174 Correspondence of the 

I3'^ Inst, for the dispatch of Business when the King 
came to the House of Peers and made a Speech to 
them which, I ordered to be sent with a Collection 
of News for the Month past to Gov' Hopkins per 
a new Established Packet Boat via New York, and 
now I send thee the Lords Address with the Monthly 
Magazine of Octof and News Papers via Boston to be 
forwarded to thee by my Correspondent A : Oliver 
by a private hand. It is expected that the State of 
the Northern Colonies, will come on before the Par- 
liament pretty early perticularly the Mollasses Act 
which expires this Sessions, about which I shall be 
on the Watch. Some alterations in the Ministry 
is begun to be made viz! Si" T : Robinson has re- 
signed his office as Sec7 of State, and Henry Fox 
Esq!" the late Sec7 at War appointed to that office in 
his Room, and L"? Barrington is now Sec'?' at War, 
and other Changes are talk'd of. We are Still at an 
uncertainty respecting War or Peace, yet our men of 
War continue taking the French Merch' Ships and 
bring them in daily, and Yesterday we had certain 
advice of a French Man of War of 74. Guns being 
taken on the Coast of France. 

The Acco! of the late defeat of Gen! Braddock was 
to the Ministry and People here very Shocking, but 
the News now lately come of Gen! Johnsons Success 
in vanquishing the French in his March to Crown 
Point ^ has revived them and I hear a considerable 
Sum of money will be sent to New England (I sup- 
pose) for carrying on the War begun in the Colonies 
against their Enemies. I hope your Colony will 
consider me in paying my late draught to my Friend 

1 See note to letter of September i, 1755. 



I' 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Isla7id 1 75 

Gideon Wanton from whom I have had no advice 
yet of its being paid. We hear that L' Col? Ellison 
of Shirleys Army is reported to be Col° of S' Peter 
Halkets Regiment and Dan! Webb Esq' Col° of Dun- 
bars Regiment, and the said Dunbar to be L' Gov^ of 
Gibralter a Place of 40 s. a day, and Gen! Johnson 
is by the King created Knight and Barronet. I am 
Thy &c 

R. Partridge 

25*'' D? We had yesterday advice via France of 
a dreadfull Earth Quake and Fire at Lisbon on i^* 
Nov' wherein were destroyed as its judg'd 100,000 
People and the greatest part of the City ; the King 
and Queen narrowly escaped. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London Dec! the 16'.'' 1755 
Gov''. Hopkins 

The foregoing ^ I writ to the Deputy Govf Nicholls 
of I9*^ Ult. of which I here send thee a Copy as it gen- 
erally related to the Affairs of the Colony to which 
I refer. 

And now I have the Pleasure to acquaint thee 
That the Lords of Trade sent to me and the New 
York New Jersey and New Engl"? Agents to attend 
them on the 3^ Inst, to come prepared to lay before 
them the best and fullest acco! we were able of the 
Number of Men and Sums of Money raised within 
the said Colonies for carrying on the Expedition 
under the Command of the Genl' Shirley and John- 
son, and accordingly all of us attended (except the 

1 See preceding letter. 



1 76 Correspondence of the 

Agent for the Massachusetts who was not well) and 
we being before them Lord Hallifax acquainted us, 
" That the King was well Satisfied with the said Col- 
" onies who had exerted themselves in raising: their 
" Forces which they had done, and was disposed to 
" grant them pretty soon a Sum of Money towards 
" their Expence but did not mention how much the 
" Sum would be, yet as that Matter would be referrd 
" to their Boards Consideration they were willing be- 
" forehand to be informed of the above perticulars " ; 
In order as I apprehend to adjust the proportion of 
the said Money to each Colony, whereupon we gave 
the best account we could, which they took down 
in writing particularly for Rhode Island 400 Men ^ 
and that as to the sum I signified I had no acco! of 
it yet, as the New Hampshire Agent had informed 
the Board of the Expence they were at for 500. Men 
the Charge of Rhode Island Men might be computed 
in Proportion but how the Money will be convey'd 
over to N : E : we are not yet apprized of : probably it 
may be sent to the Kings Comissaries at New York ; 
Some People report as if the Sum to be granted 
will be ^100,000. Sterl. in the whole but it is un- 
certain as yet to us, but it is to be understood it will 
be divided in Proportion among the said several Col- 
onies from w"'' the Forces of Shirleys and Johnsons 
Armies are composed, and I am told (be the Sum 
what it will) it is not designed to preclude us from 
a further Sum hereafter I am 

Thy assured Friend 

RP Partridge 



1 Rhode Island had put into the field 750 men. See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 419, 440, 
449. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 177 

23^ Ditto. I gratefully acknowledge yo' Assemblys 
honouring my Bill of ^150 Sterl on the Gov' payable 
to Gid" Wanton Esq' for w""*" he has remitted me a 
good Bill here of the same value and I shall Credit 
the Colonys acco* for the same. 

Since I was at the Board of Trade aforementioned 
I have rec"^ advice from my Fr'^ Pet' Bours of 6^^ 
Octo' last intimating that yo' Colony had raised 300 
Men more besides the 400 Men at first, and that 
they were then on their march for Crown Point, w*^** 
advice came very opportunely for me to give notice 
of addition to the Lords of Trade as they had not 
precluded any Subsequent acco*, and therefore have 
accordingly sent them word of it in writing in order 
that we may get our full proportion for Rhode Island 
of the Money to be granted as aforesaid 

R. P. 

To Stephen Hopkins Esq' 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations. 



REPORT OF A SCOUT, BY CAPTAIN RODGERS.^ 

Fort William Henry \f^ Decern! 1755 

Went out by Orders with 3 Men to make discov- 
ery of the french and sd Strength of their forts at 

1 Robert Rogers of New Hartipshire, the famous partisan chief and scout. He 
raised several companies of rangers, and with them performed valuable service 
throughout the Seven Years' War. Rogers' Rock, on Lake George, commemorates 
the well-known tradition of the remarkable escape of the bush-fighter from the French 
and Indians by sliding down the precipice on his snow-shoes. This report is men- 
tioned in letter of Sir Charles Hardy, February 29, 1756, and it is selected from the 
volume entitled Letters arid Papers relating to the Old French War. 
VOL. II. 



178 Correspondence of the 

Ticonderoga or the Carrying Place the first day we 
went in a batow down the Lake gorge 16 miles and 
See a fire on an Island in the Middle of the Lake at 
the first narrows I durst not go by it and Came back 
about a mile and when it was dark Landed in a 
Cove on the Wist side of the Lake by the South 
End of the Great Mountain and when we had Secured 
our batow I went about half a mile from it and 
Campt in a Thickit next morning Steard for Ticon- 
deroga and Travailed about Twenty miles and Campt 
in a Pleasant Place between Two large mountains 
and nothing Remarkable happend That day Next 
morning went on our Course and came in Plain 
Sight of Ticonderoga fort where were their men busy 
at work and had Several Saprits men Sawing on some 
of them, they was Shaving Long Shingles or Clab- 
bords To Cover their houses or Barocks in the fort 
we See four Cannon That was mounted on the South- 
east Bastion Pointing towards the Lake there was 
Two Cannon at the Gate on wheels There was Two 
or Three Cannon on the Norwest Bastion Pointing 
Towards the Woods I tryed To number Their men 
but it was Endless, and to form a Judgment how 
many men there is at the Carrying Place I am at [a] 
Loss but Judg by their working at the fort and about 
it, There is five hundred men at Least and after we 
had a full view at Them we Left The hill or Emens 
[Eminence ?] and went nearer to the fort and way- 
Layd a Road That Led from the fort to The Lake 
and after we had been There About half an hour 
More came along a party of 10 men but They being 
too many for us we Lay Still and Lett Them Pass 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 1 79 

in a few minutes after There came a Company of 
Indians over from the East side Loaded with skins 
and Venison which soon after they had got into the 
fort begun to Sing and Dance, and about Dark 
There went five men after a Load of wood to the 
North of the fort upon Which we Left our Ambush 
and went Round to make a Shot upon them, but be- 
fore we had got far Enough They had got Their 
wood Loaded and Returning to the Garrison we 
Tarried there till after their Drooms beat and heard 
Them Shut Their Gates Then we went into one of 
the hutts for Shelter from the Cold Intending to Try 
next morning for a Scalp but it Snowed very hard 
about day Which caused me to make a Sudden Re- 
treat and went homewards That day 25 miles and 
Campt next morning we Steard homewards and 
when we came within 2 miles of our batow we Started 
a flock of Dear and killd 2 of Them and Drest Them 
with the utmost Expidition and Brought Them to 
our batow which we found safe and a bottle of Rum 
which we hid when we went up all Safe which Re- 
vived our Drooping Spirits : and we Embarkt and 
about 3 a Clock we arrived at Fort Will'" Henry 
This is the Chief That I can Say Concerning Tycon- 
deroga and a true Journal by your Honours Most 
Humb! Serv' 

Robert Rodgers 

Witnesses Present was 
Noah Johnson 
James Henry 

To Coll° Glaisar Comm^' at fort william Henry 



i8o Correspondence of the 

NATHAN WHITING^ TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Sir 

As I have the honour to be intrusted with the 
Command of this Garison in behalf of the Several 
Governments concerned in maintaining it, I think 
it my duty to send your Honour the return of the 
forces that belong to And the State of the provi- 
sions and Military Stores In it ; Accordingly you 
have them enclosed ; I Likewise send an examination 
of a French deserter Who came Lately into the other 
fort, Which I took of him in his way to Albany, by 
Which you will have all the intelligence I can give of 
the State of the Enemy at Ticonderoge, Cap* Rogers 
was there about the time this deserter came Away, 
I hear he Imagined there was a Thousand Men there, 
but as I have not had his Report I cant vouch for 
the truth of it ; I have sent frequent Scouts towards 
Woodcrick And South Bay, Who have never made 
Any discovery of Any Enemy, you are doubtless 
Acquainted that the Troops in this Garison are of 
Connecticut and New York that consequently I can 
give no particular Ace* of the State of the Troops 
of your Gov' I have Nothing farther material to Ac- 
quaint you of, but that I am with due Esteem 
Your Honours most Obedient humb' Serv* 

Nathan Whiting 

Fort Edward January i' 1756 

The Hon^^^ Hopkins Esqf 



1 Whiting was lieutenant-colonel of the Second Connecticut Regiment, raised in 1755, 
In January, 1756, the Connecticut Assembly granted him £13 for his extraordinary 
expenses in garrisoning Fort Edward, and in March appointed him colonel of the 
Fourth Regiment, to go against Crown Point. Pub. Rec. of Conn., X. 345, 450, 470. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island i8: 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

New York Jan. 2d 1756. 
Sir, 

I inclose your Honour a Scheme for an Attempt 
upon Tionderoge and Crown point to be made this 
Winter.^ 

I have fully and maturely consider'd it, and the 
more attentively I have thought upon it, the more 
practicable it appears to me, extraordinary Disap- 
pointments, as a long Succession of violent Snow 
Storms or unusual breaking up of the Ice in the 
Wood Creek^ and River beyond it in the Month of 
February excepted ; to some or other extraordinary 
unforeseen Disappointments, all Undertakings of this 
kind must be subject. 

I believe it will be agreed, that if the propos'd 
Forces and Armament arrive safely at Tionderoge^ 
and Land between that and Crown point, the Carry- 
ing of the Works, and securing of the French Troops 
at the former will, from the Ace' given of them in 
the inclos'd Report of Thomas Poor's, who is es- 
teem'd by those, who know him, a very intelligent 
Officer and to be depended upon, be an easy Task, 

1 See the enclosure which follows. By the death of Braddock, Shirley became com- 
mander-in-chief of the English forces in America. With a force of some 1400 men, he 
had, in the summer of 1755, pushed through western New York to Oswego, the Eng- 
lish trading-post on Lake Ontario. From this as a base it was hoped to capture the 
French forts, Frontenac and Niagara. Both posts were too strongly reinforced to 
allow the English troops to ventuve upon so desperate an attack. Leaving 700 men as 
a garrison at Oswego, Shirley returned to Albany in October. 

2 A small but navigable stream, the usual route from the Hudson to the head of 
Lake Champlain. 

3 A promontory on the west shore of Lake Champlain, commanding both routes 
from the Hudson, that of Wood Creek and that by Lake George. Fortified by the 
French during the winter of 1756. 



1 82 Correspondence of the 

and take up a very Short time, perhaps not many 
Hours ; and I think it extremely improbable, by all 
Acc*f we have had, that the French should have 
erected any Strong Works upon the Eminence, which 
commands Crown point, the making ourselves Mas- 
ters of the former of which would probably be Soon 
follow'd with the Surrender of the latter ; I can't 
see why the taking of Crown point ^ itself which is 
not above i6 Miles from Tionderoge, should be de- 
spair'd of. 

As to the conveying of the Troops and Armament 
to Tionderoge in due Season, that Seems chiefly to 
depend upon collecting the number of Slays requi- 
site by the second Week in February, and clearing 
the Wood Creek from Incumbrances above the level 
of the Ice, so as to give a passage to the Slays ; 
which must be very practicable by a Party of lOO 
Men or less in a Day or two at furthest. The Port- 
age or Carrying place at the Falls of the Wood 
Creek is not above 300 Yards, and as the Men will 
be transported in Slays, the whole Passage will not 
take up above Six Days, and but three of those at 
most between Fort Edward and Tionderoge ; so 
that the Men, if provided against the Inclemency 
of the Season as propos'd. will not be greatly har- 
rass'd by this Conveyance to Tionderoge, and their 
Incampm*^ in going to it ; And upon their Arrival 
there, they will find good Cover ready for the great- 
est part, if not all of them from the Enemy's Works.^ 

The Forces, which are design 'd to be employ'd to 

1 North of Ticonderoga. 

2 Entrenchments were thrown up at this point by Dieskau, in the previous summer. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 183 

make the propos'd Attempts, if they succeed, will, I 
apprehend, be strong enough to hold either Tion- 
deroge or Crown point 'till they are reinforc'd from 
the Colonies, especially as the French can't be rein- 
forc'd by Water Carriage over the Lake Champlain, 
which at that time hath an Ice upon it, that will pre- 
vent it from being navigable, and not Strong enough 
to bear the Weight of either Stores, Provisions or 
Men, and by the time, that the Waters of it shall be 
open, our Vessell and Boats may enter the Lake, 
and command the Navigation of it. 

The Train of good Consequences, which the gain- 
ing of Crown point or even Tionderoge this Winter 
by the propos'd Attempt would draw after it, by less- 
ening the Expence and Difficulties, which an Attack 
of either in the Summer would be attended with 
giving Spirit and Vigour to every other part of the 
General Service in the ensuing Year; the Effect it 
would have upon all the Indians in general, retrieving 
the Reputation of the English Arms in North Amer- 
ica, and lowering the presumption and Vaunts of 
the French, is too obvious to need being particularly 
observ'd on. 

If it should be thought that the 40 Days provisions 
is too scanty a Stock for the Subsistence of the 
Troops 'till the Ice shall be broke up, it is highly 
probable that a Party of the Slays might make a sec- 
ond Trip upon the Ice with an additional Supply of 
Provisions before the Ice is broke up. 

It is most evident, that the effecting this Service 
will depend upon each of the Gov'.' concern'd, imme- 
diately upon receiving this Express, raising their 



184 Correspondence of the 

respective Quota's of good Men for it with proper 
Officers to command them, and fitting them out in 
time to rendezvous at Albany, by the first Week in 
Feb^, which I can't but hope will be comply 'd with 
in the most ready and chearfull manner as the Gen- 
eral Interest of all the Eastern Colonies in particular 
is so deeply concern'd in the Event/ 

I purpose to set out from this Place for Boston on 
Friday the 9*^ Instant. 

In the mean time I can't omit expressing my 
thanks to your Honour for the very great Assistance 
I had from consulting you upon the Several parts of 
his Majesty's Service at Albany.^ 

I am with very great Esteem and Regard, Sir, 
Your Honour's most Humble, and most 
Obedient Servant, 

W Shirley. 

P.S. I need not observe to your Honour how ne- 
cessary it is to have this Scheme kept secret, except 
to the Assembly. 

[Enclosure.] 

Proposal for an Attempt to be made against Crown point and 
Ticonderoge this Winter.^ 

It is propos'd that 1150 Men, to consist of 950 Provincial 
Troops and 200 Regulars pick'd for the Service, with half the 
Company of Artillery and Engineers and a proper Train, should 

1 See Shirley's letter of February 2, 1756, in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 473. The Assem- 
bly voted to send five hundred men, including those " now in the pay of this colony," 
" to reduce the French forts on Lake Champlain." Ibid., V. 480. 

2 At Shirley's request, a conference of delegates from the colonies was held at New 
York to arrange a plan of campaign for the ensuing year. Governor Hopkins and 
Daniel Updike, the attorney-general, were appointed by the Assembly to represent 
Rhode Island. Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 463. 

8 Enclosed with letter of January 2, 1756. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 185 

make an Attempt upon the French Works at Ticonderoge, and if 
found practicable to proceed from thence to Crown point, and 
make an Attempt upon that ; the Troops to rendezvous at Albany 
the first week in February. 

The Men with their Baggage and Provisions for 40 Days, the 
Artillery and Ordnance Stores to be transported from Albany to 
Fort Edward, and from thence to Woodcreek, and over that to 
Ticonderoge all in Slays, wl*" may take up six Days. 

The Provincial Troops to be provided with Tents, Blankets, 
Woolen Waiscoats, Caps and Mittens, two pair of Moggisons, 
and one pair of Indian Stockings each. 

Each Colony to be at the Expence of the pay, Arms, Cloath- 
ing, Provisions, and Tents for their respective Troops, and pay 
for Officers and Seamen to man the Vessells and Whale- 
boats hereafter mention'd. 

The Crown to be at the Expence of 600 Slays, Horses, or other 
Carriages, and Ordnance Stores, and building one or more Ves- 
sells of Force sufficient to command the Navigation of the Lake 
Champlain, together with Whale Boats, all w'^.'' it is propos'd shall 
be begun to be built as soon as Ticonderoge or Crown point is 
taken, and launch'd into the Water as soon as the Ice will per- 
mit. 

The Provincials to be apportion'd as follows, Massachu*?' Bay 
300, Connecticutt 250, New York 200, New Hampshire 100, 
Rhode Island 100. 

The Provisions, Great Artillery and Ordnance Stores, Snow 
Moggisons and Indian Stockings are already some at Albany, 
some at Fort Edward and others at Lake George. 

One Commissary General of Provisions must be appointed 
for this purpose, and a Clerk appointed by each of the Colo- 
nies. 

Endorsed : 

Proposal for an Attempt to be made ag*.* Ticonderoge and 
Crown point this Winter. 



1 86 Correspondence of the 

RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London 2? mo., Feb. iz*.*" 1756. 
Gov^. Hopkiiis 

My last to thee was of Dec!" I6*^^ since which I 
have had none of thy Favours. This now comes to 
acquaint thee that on the 28. Ult the King sent a 
Message to the House of Commons in the follow- 
ing words Viz : " His Majesty being sensible of the 
" Zeal and Vigour with which his Faithful Subjects 
" of certain Colonies in North America have exerted 
" themselves in defence of his Majestys just Rights 
" and Possessions recommends it to this House to 
" take the same into their Consideration and to enable 
" his Majesty to give them such Assistance as may 
" be a proper Reward and Encouragement." 

In consequence thereof the House of Commons 
have granted the Sum of ;^5000. to Sr William John- 
son as a Reward for his Services.^ 

And also resolved That ^115,000 Sterling be 
granted for New York, New Jersey, and the Colonies 
of New England, to be distributed amongst them as 
a free gift and Reward for their Past Services and an 
Encouragement to continue to exert themselves with 
Vigour in defence of the Kings just Rights and Pos- 
sessions ; ^ That is as I am informed from Members 
of the House ^20,000 for New York and New Jer- 
sey, and ^95,000 for Massach*S Connecticutt, Rhode 
Island, and New Hampshire in proportion,* to be 

1 See p. 175. 

2 See note to letter of September i, 1755. 
8 See ParliaTttentary Register, III. 263. 

* Rhode Island received £6,684.12 . 3. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 187 

sent over in Specie very soon to America; and when 
they have collected the respective Accots of Expence, 
and times of Inlistments there, after its arrival the 
money to be distributed accordingly ; as it was im- 
possible to do it here, and I further hear it will be 
paid in Specie to the Respective Treasurers of each 
Colony. 

And the Commons have since Voted ^81.178.16. 
St? for the charge of a Regiment of Foot to be raised 
in America for 1756,^ which Regiment as I'm in- 
form 'd is to consist of 3 Batallions of 4000 Men in 
the whole to be Commanded \^ of them by Forreign 
Protestants who are to Act and Rank as Officers 
and Engineers in America mostly sent from Europe, 
and the Commander in Chief and other Principal 
Officers to be of Great Britain sent from hence also 
and some other Officers to be Commissioned in 
America. Lord Loudon a Nobleman of a very good 
Character is to be Commander in Chiefs who with 
upward of 2000 Men including some Highlanders, 
are to be sent over to America now (as I suppose) 
with all Expedition for a further defence of the Fron- 
tiers there. 

As for other Publick news the Affairs of Europe 
are still in a state of uncertainty, no War yet being 
declared by the French or English ^ but our own 
Men of War continue taking the French Merch* 
Ships as Prizes without a certain account of their 
having taken any of our Ships yet, except Seizing a 

1 See Parliamentary Register, HI. 263. 

2 See letter of Secretary Fox of March 13, 1756, in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 485. 

3 See note on pp. 154, i6i. 



Correspondence of the 



few English Vessells of late that were in the French 
Harbours. 

I am forced to conclude in hast to save this con- 
vey" from 

Thy loving Friend 

RP Partridge 

I have not long since enquired at the Attorney 
Generals and find no further proceeding has been 
made in the affair of the Marquis De Lambertie 

To Stephen Hopkins EsqT 

Govern"^ of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Boston Feb7 20'!' 1756. 
Sir^ 

I inclose to your Honour, at the Request of the 
Assembly of this Governm!, a Copy of their Resolves 
for raising 3000 Men as their Quota of 9000 for 
carrying on an Expedition against Crown point this 
Year in conjunction with his Majesty's other Col- 
onies. 

If the Circumstances of the Province would have 
admitted it, I should have urg'd them to increase the 
Number, but there were so many Men in Service the 
last Year in the two Expeditions East and West, and 
there are so many constantly employ 'd for the De- 
fence of the Frontiers, that it will be extremely diffi- 
cult to make an addition to what has been determin'd; 
and indeed if the other Governments would raise their 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 189 

Proportion, the whole would amount to as large an 
Army, as I should desire for this purpose ; whilst the 
Men are raising I design that a sufficient Quantity 
of Provisions and Stores of every kind shall be trans- 
porting to Fort Edward and Fort William Henry,^ 
and that the Battoes for the Carriage of the Artillery 
and Stores of War shall be ready for the Use of the 
Army, as soon as it shall arrive at the Lake ; for the 
Success of the Campaigne will very much depend on 
our being ready for Action as soon as the Advances 
of the Spring will permit, and indeed we have no 
time to lose. 

One very material part of the Plan propos'd at 
New York was the breaking up the French Settle- 
ments upon the River Chaudiere^ and giving an 
Alarm to Quebec which must naturally retain a con- 
siderable Number of the French Forces on that side 
the Country; but this cant be determin'd upon 'till 
it be known what Forces the several Governments 
will raise: I hope Connecticut will furnish 2500 
Men, New Hampshire and Rhode Island 1800 be- 
tween them ; ^ and altho' the Assembly of New York 
hath voted only 1000 Men, I can't but hope it will 
at least double #ie Number, when they shall be 
inform'd what the Massachusetts hath done, espe- 
cially as New York Government, from its Situation 
and other Circumstances is more nearly affected by 



1 Built by Sir William Johnson, in 1755, at the head of Lake George, and named in 
compliment to one of the king's grandsons. 

2 The portage between the Kennebec and the Chaudiere (a tributary of the St. Law- 
rence, which enters that river a little above Quebec) was an entry into Canada of con- 
siderable importance. 

8 See note on p. 184. 



iQO Correspondence of the 

the Incroachments of the French than any one of 
his Majesty's Colonies besides. 

Suppose the whole Number, which I have com- 
puted, should be rais'd, it will fall short, your Honour 
knows, of what was propos'd in the Plan at New 
York. 

As to the New Jersey Troops, they must be em- 
ploy 'd at Lake Ontario^ or the Force there will be in- 
sufficient : Unless therefore the Governments South- 
ward of the Jerseys shall assist with their Troops 
also,^ I don't see how the 3000 Men propos'd for the 
Service at Chaudiere can be well spar'd. 

I know your Honour to be well dispos'd to forward 
the Service, and I hope the Colony of Rhode Island 
will raise at least a proportionable Number of Men 
to that which the Gov! employ 'd the last Year: The 
Massachusetts then propos'd in their first Levies 
1500, Rhode Island then voted 400, so that I flater 
myself your Assembly will not think 800 too large a 
proportion now, especially since his Majesty has been 
pleas'd to order such Strong Assurances to be given 
of his most gracious Favour to the New England 
Governments w^"" respect to a Reimbursement of the 
Charges of the last Expedition ; ^ and I think that 
the Continuance of the same Vigour and Spirit in 
prosecuting the present Expedition will give us good 
Reason to hope for the same favour w'l" respect to 
this also; whatever Number shall be determin'd on, 
it will be necessary that your Government make full 



1 In the proposed expedition against Niagara. 

2 Both Pennsylvania and Virginia refused to do so. 
8 See Partridge's letter of February 12, 1756. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 191 

Provision for that Proportion, of all the Charges that 
shall attend the Expedition. The failure of some 
Colonies last Year in the seasonable Transportation 
of their provisions and Stores tended as effectually 
to prevent the proceeding of the Army as if all had 
fail'd. 

Some Companies of the first Rais'd Men in each 
Colony should be sent, as soon as possible, to Albany 
to serve as a Guard or Convoy for the Boats and 
Carriages, that shall pass from thence to the Fort at 
Lake George : The Battoes for all the Forces ought 
also to be compleated immediately, as there is no 
going forward without them ; At least this Advan- 
tage is gain'd by the last Year's Expedition, that we 
may know what was wanting on the part of each 
Governm* then, and it will be inexcusable if there 
should be the same Neglect a second time/ 

I must desire your Honour to give me the earliest 
Advice of the Determinations of your Assembly ; 
and I must again mention to you, that the utmost 
Dispatch is necessary, and a Minute of time ought 
not to be lost. 

I am with great Regard, and Esteem Sir, 
Your Honour's most Humble and most. 

obedient Servant 

W Shirley 

P. S. I am to acknowledge the receipt of your 
Honour's letter the last Week. 

Hon^!^ Stephen Hopkins Esq' 

1 The difficulties of transportation are graphically described in Parkman's Mont- 
calm and Wolfe, I. 384-3S7. 



192 Correspondence of the 

GOVERNOR FITCH ^ TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Hartford Feb? 26'." 1756 
Sir 

As You have (I presume) some Time since, re- 
ceived from His Excellency Mayor General Shirley, 
the Plan of Operations advised to by the Council 
held at New York in December last, with his Letter 
relative thereto, as also the Proportions of the several 
Governments as proposed by Him, which is accord- 
ing to that agreed upon by the Commissioners at 
Albany, I am now by the Desire of the General As- 
sembly of this Colony to acquaint You that accord- 
ing to General Shirleys Proposal, that in Case the 
southern Governments should not raise their Parts 
for this Service The northern Colonies should aug- 
ment their Proportions, to make up the Number 
proposed. The Assembly of this Colony having had 
no Intelligence from the southward beyond New 
York, And it being uncertain whether they will raise 
any Men on this Occasion, have thought it best that 
the New England Governments, and New York, aug- 
ment their Proportion to double the Number proposed, 
which will make up the Number of Ten Thousand, 
And have therefore agreed to raise, two Thousand 
five hundred in this Colony and expect the Massa- 
chusets will raise three Thousand five hundred and 
New York Two Thousand. I hope therefore S' 
You will be pleased to use Your Influence with Your 
Assembly for that Purpose ; The Assembly of this 
Colony have not made the necessary Provisions, for 

1 Governor of Connecticut from 1754 to 1757. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 193 

raising the Men, but have adjourned till the 17* of 
March, that they may see whether these Proposals be 
agreeable to the other Governments, and that Wee 
may be further acquainted what Assistance wee may 
expect by Money from Home, without which as our 
last Years Expence has so involved us beyond our 
Neighbours Wee shall not (without extream Diffi- 
culty) be able to go on. But I hope when wee meet 
again shall be able to proceed, and if so, shall do it 
without Loss of Time. 

I need not observe the Necessity of early Conclu- 
sions in these Affairs And of an harmonious Pro- 
cedure among the Governments, And You will be 
pleased S' to favour Me with the Determinations of 
your Assembly as soon as may be. 

I am Si" (with great Respect) 
Your Honours most obedient and most hum- 
ble Servant 

Tho? Fitch 

Hon^l^ GovT Hopkins. 



GOVERNOR SIR CHARLES HARDY ^ TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Fort George 2 New York 29'." Feb^. 1756 
Sir 

Inclosed I send you Copys of a Report of a Scout- 
ing Party under CapV Rogers,^ from Fort William 

1 Governor Hardy's administration lasted from 1755 **' '757i when he was made 
Rear- Admiral and sent in the expedition against Louisbourg. In 1759 he returned to 
England. He was a grandson of the distinguished naval commander, Sir Thomas 
Hardy, who is identified with the reign of Queen Anne. 

2 At the southern extremity of the Island of Manhattan, 
' See note to Rodger's Report of December 17, 1755. 

VOL. II. 



194 Correspondence of the 

Henry and the Examination of a French Prisoner 
taken by him by which your Honour will see the 
French are moving Troops and Provisions to Crown 
point and which Post they are also Strengthening 
with New Works. 

I am sorry to find the Colonys delay taking the 
necessary measures for this Years Campain, I have 
not yet received any advices from the Eastern Gov- 
ernments, that there Assemblys have made any Pro- 
vision for furnishing the Quotas agreed upon at the 
Council of Warr held in this City and I fear if mea- 
sures are not speedily taken, we shall be full late 
to hope for Success in the Expedition then agreed 
upon. 

The Behaviour and good Services of Cap* Rogers 
Merits the Regard of the Colonys, Inclosed I send 
you a Copy of a Resolution of this Assembly, and 
must beg leave to recommend him to your Honours 
Favour. 

Last Night I received an Express from Ulster 
County that a body of Indians supposed to be about 
30. or 40, had crossed the Delaware and Destroyed the 
House, Barns &c, of one Phillip Swartwoudt, there 
were Eight Men and One Woman in the House, in 
endeavouring to Escape five of the Men were kil'd, 
the Woman taken Prisoner, and three Men escaped 
to a Neighbouring Settlement 

I am Sir. 
Your most Obedient and Humble Servant 

Cha? Hardy 

The Hon^'.' GovT Hopkins. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Islajid 195 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Boston March 8'." 1756. 
Sir, 

I shall send you herewith Copy of a Vote of the 
Assembly of this Province for raising an Additional 
Number of Men, provided the Government of Rhode 
Island and New Hampshire will raise One Thousand 
each.^ I am well assur'd that your Honour will use 
your best Endeavour to bring your Assembly into 
it, and I doubt not the Governour of New Hamp- 
shire will press the same upon the Assembly of that 
Colony also. I have said so much in my former 
Letters upon the Importance of the Service that I 
need not add any thing further now, only that we learn 
by the Indians who come into Albany that the French 
are making great Preparations and I doubt not they 
will bring all the Force they can possibly muster to 
oppose Us. 

I likewise Send your Honour Copy of Instructions 
agreed on by the Court for a Committee which is to 
proceed forthwith to Albany.^ By these Instructions 
you will perceive the Plan which is laid for trans- 
porting Provisions and Stores to Lake George and 
providing Boats there for the Service of the Army. 
This Plan is entirely agreable to me, and if faithfully 
executed I think the Colonies will Save half the Ex- 
pence they would be at if they were to make use of 
Land Carriage only, and what is of infinitely more 

1 Rhode Island did not augment her quota. 

2 Each of the four New England colonies sent to the scene of operations in New 
York a committee to provide and superintend all supplies and means of transportation, 
and to be responsible to the Commitee of War at home. 



196 Correspondence of the 

Importance the Service will be performed in half the 
Time. I hope each Government will appoint Per- 
sons that can be depended upon to see this Service 
done. If there be a Failure here it must be fatal. I 
am not acquainted with the Number of Battoos pro- 
vided by your Government the last Year, but the 
fewer you had then the more early must you be in 
your Preparations now and they must be built at the 
Lake ^ for I am sure Carriage can never be found 
for the Stores and Boats both : You will therefore 
provide a Number of Whip Saws for sawing Boards 
for the large Boats, for I doubt not proper Timber 
can be found for that Purpose, and Tools for mak- 
ing large Cannoos out of Logs if it shall be neces- 
sary to build any such as also Spikes, Nails, Pitch 
and Oakam, and let Workmen be sent away im- 
mediately. I can't be too urgent on these Points. 
Every Government must take Measures for their re- 
spective Porportion of these Services and if they are 
neglected or not duly attended by any one Govern- 
ment the Expedition may be ruined as effectually as 
if they had been neglected by all. 

There must be a greater Stock of Ammunition, 
Artillery and Warlike Stores. I should be glad to 
be informed by the Return of this Post or sooner 
whether your Government can furnish their Quota 
of Powder for the great Artillery. I think the Army 
should be furnished for that Purpose with at least 
500 Barrels more than now remains of what was pro- 

1 Fort William Henry became a shipbuilding establishment, under the command of 
Colonel Jonathan Bagley. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 197 

vided for the last Expedition, and that every Soldier 
should be furnished with two Pounds besides for the 
small Arms. If you cannot provide the Cannon, 
Mortars Shells &c they may be sent from this Pro- 
vince, and perhaps you may furnish Powder in Pro- 
portion, otherwise Consideration must be had for 
what this Province does more than its Part when 
the Expedition shall be ended. 

The Spring is advancing and We are all too back- 
ward in our Preparations. It seems necessary that 
the Forces should be at the Lake by the Middle of 
April and that every Article of Provisions, Stores 
and Boats should be ready against their Arrival. 

I pray your Honour to give me constant Advices 
of the Steps taking in your Government relative to 
the Expedition. 

The Commanding OfHcer of the Detachment of 
the Royal Regiment of Artillery employed in north 
America has furnished me with a List of Ordnance 
Stores necessary for the Expedition which I herewith 
send you. 

I am with great regard and Esteem, Sir, 

Your Honour's most Humble and most Obed* 
Servant 

W Shirley. 

His Honr Stephen Hopkins Esqr 



198 Correspondence of the 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London 3? mo: or Mar. 12* 1756 
Governor Hopkins 

I wrote thee last of I2'^ Ult. since which I have 
not been favour'd w'!* any from thee. This may 
inform thee that the Money granted as a Gift by 
Parham' at the Kings Instance to the Several N.E. 
Governments for their Encouragement is not yet 
Shipt off but I hear a Warrant ^ is made and for it 
and it's hoped will be sent away pretty soon. 

The Bill brought into Parliament for Naturalliz- 
ing Foreign Protestants Officers to serve in America 
is now passed the Royal Assent^ the Number of 
whom is not to exceed 50 and Engineers 20, the 
rest of the Officers may be supposed (to be double the 
quantity) and of the Kings natural born Subjects of 
Great Britain and America, — And as to the Troops, 
it seems now to be concluded of having Twenty 
Thousand in America this Year including 2000 to 
be sent from Europe with the 3 Regiments of Shir- 
leys, Pepperells and Dunbars, the rest to make up 
the Compliment to be raised in the Northern Colo- 
nies — and a New England Gentleman (the Agent 
for Nova Scotia) has contracted with the Govern- 
ment here for Supplying the said 20,000 Men with 
Provisions at ^500. St? a day which I had lately 
from his own Mouth — and who it's probable will 

1 See the following document. 

2 See letter of Secretary Fox to the Governor of Rhode Island, March 13, 1756, in 
Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 520, 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 1 99 

set out for New York Speedily, perhaps with Lord 
Loudon who is to be Commander in Chief/ 

There's no War declared yet by the French or 
English neither do we hear for certain that the 
former have taken any of our Ships at Sea yet ; But 
our Men of Warr continue making Reprizals of their 
Ships still, and of late an Embargo is laid on our 
English Vessells, and as great a Press for Men as 
ever; 

People here are in Expectation of an Invasion from 
the French but where the Storm will fall we know 
not, tho' others are of Opinion it is but a Feint of 
theirs to amuse Us in order to cover some other de- 
sign they have in view which Time must manifest. 

Nothing has yet been moved in Parliament relat- 
ing to the Union of the Colonies,^ I am with due 
Respects 

Thy assured Friend 

RP Partridge 

As there is a Packet Boat established to depart 
hence for N. York once a month I have ag-reed with 
a Book seller to send thee a Printed Sheet contain- 
ing the Substance of a Months News at 12s. for half 



1 Shirley was superseded in command, through the intrigues of a hostile faction of 
New York politicians, on March 13. Shirley was to hand over the command to Colonel 
Webb, who was to transfer it to General Abercrombie (second in command), from whom 
it should go to Loudoun upon his arrival in America. See letters in Col. Rec. of R. /., 
v. 485, 520 ; and note to letter of November 8, 1742. 

2 The reference is to the Albany Plan of 1754, which met with no favor in Rhode 
Island. 



200 Correspondence of the 

a Year including the Postage outwards several of 
which I suppose thou mayst have received 

R P 

To Stephen Hopkins Esq' 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 

Royal Warrant} 

George R. 

Whereas the House of Commons have granted unto Us the 
Sum of ;i^i 15,000 upon Account to be distributed, to the Colo- 
nies, of New England, New York and New Jersey in such propor- 
tions as We should think fit, as a free Gift and Reward for their 
past Services, and an Encouragement to them to continue to 
exert themselves with Vigour in defence of Our Just Rights and 
Posessions. 

And whereas We have thought fit to Allot the said Sum of 
;^ii5,oooto the said Colonies in the proportions following, that 
is to say. 

£ 

To Massachusetts Bay S4,ooo 
New Hampshire 8,000 

Connecticut 26,000 
Rhode Island 7,000 ^ 

New York 15,000 
New Jersey 5,000 

;^ii5'Ooo 

And are pleased to direct that the several Sums Allotted to the 
Colonies of the Massachusets Bay New Hampshire New York, 
and New Jersey shall be delivered into the hands of the Governor 
of each of those Colonies in the presence of the Council, and to 
be by him forthwith paid over into the hands of the Treasurer of 

1 Enclosed in letter of March 12, 1756. 

2 See letter of Apthorp and Son of Boston to Governor Hopkins. Col. Rec. of R. /., 

V. 533- 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 201 

the Province, taking a proper Discharge for the same, and suffi- 
cient Security for the safe Custody of such Sum, until it shall be 
disposed of for the Publick Service, by an Act of the Legislature, 
And that the Sum distined for the Charter Governments of Con- 
necticut and Rhode Island shall be consigned to the Governor 
and Company of each Colony, who are to give a Joint Receipt for 
the same under the Publick Seal of the Colony. Our Will and 
Pleasure therefore is That out of any the Aids or Supplies granted 
unto Us for the Service of the Year 1756 You issue and pay or 
cause to be issued and paid unto John Thomlinson and John 
Hanbury Merchants or to their Assignes the said Sum of ;^i 1 5,000. 
by vi^ay of Imprest and upon Account to be by them paid over, 
distributed and applied to the several Colonies aforementioned in 
the aforegoing proportions, and agreeable to the Directions and 
Restrictions herein beforementioned in that behalf. And for so 
doing this shall be your Warrant Given at Our Court at S' James's 
this i^ day of March 1756 in the 29'? Year of Our Reign 
To the Comm'f of Our Treasury. 

By his Maj*.^ Command 

HoLLES Newcastle 
G. Lyttelton 

H. FURNESE 

Mess'.' Thomlinson and Hanbury ;^i 15,000 for the Northern 
Colonies. 



th 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Boston 16'." March 1756 

Sir 

I have received your Honours Letter of the 11'.' 
Inst. I have already informed you that this Province 
hath augmented their Quota of Troops for the Crown 
Point Expedition to 3500 Men ; I have since been 
informed by Gov' Fitch that the Colony of Connecti- 
cut have voted to raise 2500 Men as their Quota and 



202 Correspondence of the 

am in hopes the Province of New York will augment 
their Number to 2000, and must pray your Honour 
will urge your Colony to make up their Number to 
1000 that we may have a Force sufficient to make 
sure of effecting what is intended. 

The List of Ordnance your Honour sent me, I 
laid before the Committee of War here, they are 
quite willing that your Government do provide those 
Articles and forward them to Albany ; whether they 
will amount to or exceed that exact Quota that Rhode 
Island ought to supply for the Ordnance Stores, may 
be settled hereafter. 

I must beg leave to recommend it to your Honour 
to endeavour to prevail on your Committee to pro- 
vide a Number of good Ox Teams either out of 
your own Government or out of Connecticut to be 
employed between Albany and Lake George and 
that they be sent thither as soon as possible with a 
Guard of about 200 of your Troops, the Waggons 
in the Province, we have in the last year experienced 
could not be depended on, and they are I am in- 
formed by Sir Charles Hardy in a much worse Con- 
dition now than they were then. Also that you 
would send a Number of Carpenters to be employed 
in building large flatt bottomed Boats at Lake 
George and Battoos to be employed between that and 
Albany. 

I can't help repeating it to your Honour to press 
your Colony to augment their Number of Troops to 
1000, and I am in hopes they will the readyer come 
into it, as we have such favourable hopes of a Reim- 
bursement to the Colonies for their Expences, So 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 203 

that any nice Scruples about its being their exact 
Quota or not, seems at present needless. 
I am with great Esteem 

Your Honours most Obedient Humble Servant 

W Shirley. 
The Hon^}^ Stephen Hopkins Esq^ 



GOVERNOR SIR CHARLES HARDY TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Fort George New York 17'." March 1756 
Sir 

I have the favour of yours of the 6'^ Instant In- 
forming me of your Assembly's having Voted 500 
Men for the General Service in the Expedition 
against Crownpoint, the Governments of Massachu- 
sets and Connecticut have greatly increased their 
Quotas, and will no doubt expect the other Provinces 
concern'd, will do the same, on this Consideration I 
moved the Assembly of this Province to Augment 
their Forces, the Inclosed resolutions will inform you 
of their determinations upon it. As we have lately 
had our Western Frontiers Infested with the Dela- 
wares &c. we judge it necessary to employ 400 in 
Conjunction with the Neighbouring Governments 
for the defence of that part of the Province. But as 
we have reason to hope this matter may be Accomo- 
dated by the Interposition of the Six Nations,^ I hope 

1 The Six Nations were the subject of much anxiety. All through this winter John- 
son had exerted his extraordinary powers of influencing them with the most unremit- 
ting assiduity. He was now Crown Agent and " Sole Superintendent of the Six 
Nations and other Northern Tribes." It was not until summer was well begun that 
he could venture to regard the Indians as the (at best, uncertain) allies of the English. 



204 Correspondence of the 



we shall be able to employ this 400 Men with the 
other Forces, this is the intention and meaning of 
the Assembly. 

I fully agree with you with respect to the Chief 
Command of the Provincial Army, and should be 
glad the same Gentleman who had it last Year, would 
undertake it this, But I do not know if Sir William 
Johnson would accept of it, I have wrote General 
Shirley this Day, and have given him my opinion on 
this Subject.^ 

I shall use all Dispatch in raising our Forces, and 
in the mean time send the Provisions &c to Albany 
to be transported to Lake George 

I am Sir 

Your most Obedient and Humble Servant 

Cha? Hardy 

The Hon^'^ Govr Hopkins. 



COLONEL BEMSLEY GLEASIER ^ TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Fort William Henry Apr, i'.' 1756 
Sir, 

The 14*1" of March I received Orders from Gen! 
Shirley to Inlist as many Men for the intend'd Expe- 
dition against Crownpoint as I could, that now belong 
to the Garrison, Since that I have inlisted great part 
of them, the Gen! never made any distinction of Pro- 

1 Shirley gave the command to John Winslow of Marshfield, Mass., who had raised 
and commanded a company in the Cartagena campaign, commanded a battalion in 
Monckton's attack and capture of Fort Beausejour (1755), and assisted in the removal 
of the Acadians. 

2 Colonel Gleasier, or Glasier, was an officer of the British army and commander 
at Fort William Henry. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 205 

vinces but in general terms said get what Men you 
can to inlist, however I have not suffer'd any of the 
Recruiting Officers to inlist any of your Men tho* 
when we began I believe all would have inlisted, since 
that I have thought proper to give Messrs. Jencks^ 
and Brown ^ Orders to Inlist as many of your Men 
as incline too, Inclosed I send you the preamble 
they inlist too. I don't know whether I have done 
right or no but am sensible of the difficulty of getting 
Men and knowing there times to be out the 30'.'' of 
this Month thought it best to retain as many as I 
could in the Service, tho' I did not know what pro- 
portion of Men you are to furnish for the Expedition 
yet I am sensible it must be near 1000 as Genl Shir- 
ley writes me 9000 is to form the Expedition and 
Massa. Bayfurnish's 3000. I have lent your Officer's 
Money to pay the Bounty and should be glad to 
know your further Commands about it. I have pro- 
mised they shall be in a Company Command'd by 
Capt. Whiting if he goes upon the Expedition as 
they all seem to incline to go with him. 

I wish he could be spared to come up here as his 
furlow has been out some time, and by the Gen? 
Orders I was Obliged to send down 4 of the Capt' 
out of the Garrison, so that I have only two left, if 
any thing should happen I might be blame'd as the 
Gen! knows nothing of Cap' Whitings being being 
gone from the Garrison besides he is a Man I have 
great dependance upon as he his a very good Officer. 

1 Ebenezer Jenckes was first lieutenant of Captain Richmond's company, enlisted in 
September, 1755. 

2 Joshua Brown, made second lieutenant of Captain John Whiting's company at 
Fort William Henry. Arnold, History of Rhode Island, II. 196, 198. 



2o6 Correspondence of the 

You have a Number of Small-Arms here which 
want to be put in repair if you could send up two or 
three Armourers they might fitt them up in a little 
time, I have none here or it shou'd been done 
before now, I have a Forge ready for them against 
they come up. Any thing you please to Order shall 
strictly be adheard too. 
By Sir 

Your Most Obed! Humb'f Serv! 

B. Gleasier 

To the Hono^^^ Stephen Hopkins Esq' &c 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London 4* mo. 6'? 1756. 
Gov''. Hopkins 

The foregoing is duplicate of my last to thee per 
Cap* Smith via Boston of 3^ : Inst, to which I refer. 
This may now acquaint thee that the Money lately 
granted by Parliament to the 6 Northern Colonies 
was sent from hence in Waggons guarded with sol- 
diers the 3^ Inst, to Portsmouth and I expect will as 
[on] this day or to morrow be shipt on board the 
Sterling-Castle Man of War Capt Cornish of 70 
Guns, and which will doubtless Sail the first fair 
Wind for Boston the part allotted for your Colony is 
£"] or £2>ooo Sterling in Silver and Gold put up in 
Chests of about 1000 oz or 1000 Dollars in a Chest 
marked Rhode Island on them if I'm rightly in- 
formed* — the proportion would not have amounted 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 533. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 207 

to so much had not my Friend Peter Bours ^ wrote 
me particularly what Number of Men at first were 
raised for the Expedition last year of 400 ; and also 
the Reinforcement of 300 Men afterwards which I 
gave account of to the Lords of Trade and in justice 
to him I write this as I had not acco' in Writing so 
particularly from any Body else. 

I apprehended that it would have been most for 
the Colonys Interest to have had the Money remain 
here in the Exechequer or Treasury till it should be 
drawn for in Bills of Exchange because of saving 
Commission to the Shipers of it, Insurance of the 
Risque of the Sea and Freight, all which would 
amount to a considerable Expence besides coming 
at Your Money sooner too, and when the matter was 
under consideration in the House of Commons I got 
two considerable Members who were distinguished 
for their abilities in the House to insist upon it and 
which was done accordingly particularly by Alder- 
man Beckford" who urged it very strenuously and 
that the Money should be sent over free of Turn 
Pike (as he Termed it) but yet the Ministry after all 
determined to send it over in specie, but then they 
have so ordered it that the Gentlemen who have 
been employd to Ship off the Money have agreed to 
do it Gratis, and the Expence on it at the Excheq' 
they have got off to about \% per £ whereas the 
usual Charge is 6^ per £ and the Cap! of the Man of 
War agrees to take it in at i per Cent which I under- 

1 A Newport merchant who served on the Committee of War in 1755. 

2 William Beckford, a wealthy West India planter and London merchant, was Alder- 
man of London in 1752, and M. P. in 1754. In 1762 he became Lord Mayor, and is 
remembered for his oflficial connection with Wilkes and the " North Briton, No. 45 " 
episode. He died in 1770. 



2o8 Correspondence of the 

stand is but \ the usual price of the Freight: all 
which savings amount to at least 5 per C! on the 
whole and which I really apprehend was in great 
measure owing to the Endeavours I used by engage- 
ing the Members of the House as afores"? the 5 per 
C on £7000 amounts to £35^ St? actually saved to 
Rhode Island, — nay whether the Government here 
will not pay the Expence of the Premium of Insur- 
ance also (without deducting it out of the Principal) 
I know not. 

There has been lately a Bill drawn up and pre- 
pared to be brought into the House of Commons to 
exclude all Persons whatsoever from sitting and vot- 
ing in the Assemblys of the N? Colonies but such 
as should take the proper Oaths to the King and 
Governm' which would have been a great hardship 
and Infraction on the Charter Governments ; and had 
it not been for a Lord or two of Emenency in the 
Privy Council that was hearty Friends to our So- 
ciety I am well assured it would have been brought 
into the House and possibly have pass'd (tho' not 
without opposition) but now it is postponed and lays 
as it may be said pro [word missing] 

I am Thy loving Friend 

R? Partridge 

Herewith is a Copy of my Memorial to the Lords 
of Trade.^ 

To Stephen Hopkins, Esqr. 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 

1 See the following document. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Isla^id 209 



MEMORIAL OF RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO THE LORDS OF 

TRADE.^ 

To the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Planta- 
tions 

The Memorial of Richard Partridge Agent for the 
Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 
in New England. 

Humbly Sheweth That Some years since the said 
Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 
directed your Memorialist to apply to the King, and 
to represent that they had built a Fortification at 
the Enterance of the Harbour of Newport their Prin- 
cipal Town which cost them upwards of ^10,000 
Currency, which was more at that time than ^3000 
Sterling and had purchased Twenty four Cannon for 
the same which cost between Six and Seven hundred 
Pounds Sterling all at their own Charge for their 
Defence against an Enemy. Whereupon your Me- 
morialist did humbly prefer a Petition to the King 
Conformable thereto in behalf of the said Colony 
Signifying their request of being Supplyed with 
twenty Cannons more from 18 to 24 Pounders, and 
a quantity of Shot for each Gun, which Petition was 
referred to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and 
Plantations who after having your Memorialists 
Allegations in behalf of the said Colony did on the 
14 of July 1735 make their Report that they were of 
Opinion it would be of service to the Colony if his 
Majesty would be graciously pleased to Grant their 

1 Enclosed with letter of April 6, 1756. Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 521. 
VOL. II. 



2IO Correspondence of the 

request, which Report is yet lying in the Council 
Office. 

That upon further application afterwards made by 
your Memorialist to the then Lords Committee of 
Council they were pleased on the 2ol^ day of Sep- 
tember 1 744 ^ to referr the consideration of this affair 
to the Duke of Montague Master General of the 
Ordnance, and in case he had no objection thereto, 
then he should Cause an Estimate to be prepared 
of the Expence thereof, and Report the same to the 
said Committee. 

That thereupon the said Master General of the 
Ordnance caused an Estimate to be made of the said 
20 peices of Cannon with proper Stores appertaining 
Amounting in the whole to ^1812.14.0 And on the 
6'^ November 1 744 a Report of the same was Signed 
by the Duke of Montague and sent to the Lords 
Committee of Council accordingly. 

That the said Lords Committee did afterwards, 
viz! on the 5*?" of February 1 744 take into Considera- 
tion the Report of said Estimate, and made an Order 
that your Memorialist should write over for an Exact 
plan of the said Fort and when received to lay the 
same before the said Lords Committee of Council. 

That your Memorialist did Write over to the 
Governor of Rhode Island accordingly ^ and received 
from thence a Plan of their Fortification,^ which he 
laid before the said Lords Committee agreeable to 
their Order — But this matter notwithstanding your 



1 See letter of October 12, 1744, and enclosure. 

2 See letter of February 6, 174^. 

8 See note to letter of September 10, 1755. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 211 

Memorialists endeavours (being delayed), nothing has 
ever yet been obtained in Consequence of the afore 
said application till a Peace was concluded. 

That your Memorialist had lately received advice 
from the Governor of the said Colony dated April 
17'^ 1755 intimating that as now again, they seem to 
be threatened with a War, and have been strictly 
Commanded by his Majesty to do every thing in their 
Power to put their Colony in the best posture of De- 
fence they can, and that in obedience thereto they 
have ordered their Fortification to be repaired and 
enlarged ; And have again directed your Memorialist 
properly to apply for such a Number of Cannon and 
stores of such sizes as may render their Fortifications 
compleat according to its enlargements now making 
and the said Governor hath also wrote to Sir Thomas 
Robinson Secretary of State thereabout and sent 
him a Compleat Plan of their Fortification, a Copy 
of the Governors letter thereupon is hereunto an- 
nexed.^ 

That the General Assembly of the said Colony 
have lately granted a Tax on the People of ^10,000 
Currency, and the Town of Newport in the said Col- 
ony ^5000 more to be wholly appropriated to the 
repairing and enlarging the Fort.^ 

That Rhode Island is Situated about 70 Miles 
from Boston in the Massachusets Bay and Separated 
from the Main Land only by a River of about 2 or 
three miles over and in case it should be Invaded 
in the Condition it is at present, it may become (as 

1 See note of the Assembly directing these proceedings. Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 411. 

2 See for Act of Appropriation, Col. Rec. of R. A, V. 441. 



212 Correspondence of the 

it is conceived) an easy prey to the Enemy, in which 
Case they may Cross a narrow River and March an 
Army into the Heart of the Province of the Massa- 
chusetts. 

And for that as your Memorialist has been lately 
advised from their Gov' Step? Hopkins Esq' of lo*!" of 
JanT last that in the late expedition undertaken for 
reducing Crown Point this little Colony has already 
Expended more than Fifteen Thousand Pounds 
Sterling, the whole of which Sum lies as a Debt 
upon it/ 

Therefore in regard the said Colony as your Me- 
morialist apprehends hath done and is now about 
doing, to the utmost they are able in building and 
repairing their Fort and formerly purchasing the 
said 24 Cannon before they would become Charge- 
able to the Crown. 

Your Memorialist most humbly prays that would 
be pleased to advise the King to Grant the said 
Colony such a Number as may render their Fortifi- 
cation compleat from 18 to 24 Pounders with Shot 
for each Gun and other Stores suitable for them all 
which is humbly Submitted 

R P 

London 4'.'' month or April 2? 1756 



1 £240,000 in bills of credit, known as Crown Point money, was issued between 
March and December of 1755. ^" October a tax of £80,000 was assessed for its re- 
demption, and within two years it was all redeemed, part, however, for treasury notes, 
bearing 5% interest. In February, 1756, an emission of £8000 was made, and provi- 
sion made for its redemption,. Col, Rec. of R. /., V. 481, 482. Rider's Historical 
Tract No, 8, p. 94. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 213 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London 5 mo. or May 7. 1756 

Gov''. Hopkins 

My last to thee was of 6'!" Ult via Boston, this 
now comes via New York and serves to advise thee 
that the Money for the N? Colonies (of which £']ooc> 
Sterl is for Rhode Island) has been Shipt some Time 
since on board the Sterling castle Men of War in 
Specie, that she is yet lying at Portsmouth waiting 
to Convoy some Transport Ships bound to New 
York, 

There is no War declared yet, the Topick of Con- 
versation now is on the grand Expedition of the 
French with their Toulon Fleet against Minorca ^ 
where it is said they have landed 18000 Men and 
going to besiege Portmahone, — Admiral Byng is 
gone with a pretty Strong Squadron of Men of War 
to the Mediteraneum, but we have no advice yet of 
his getting to Minorca. As to the Invasion talkd of 
designd against this Kingdom or Ireland that altho' 
Preparation has been making for Defence there seems 
now to be little or no great Apprehensions here of 
any danger about it. The House of Commons has 
passed a Bill for Recruiting Forces in N? America 
which lyes now at the House of Lords, for the Royal 
Assent, but they have done nothing about a Union 
of the Northern Colonies, and they say the Parlia- 
ment will rise in about two Weeks Time. 



1 The garrison of 3000 men, under Colonel Blakeney, retired to the Castle, where 
they were besieged. An indecisive engagement took place off Minorca on May 20. 
Blakeney held out until June 28, when he was obliged to surrender. 



2 1 4 Correspondence of the 

Lord Louden is not gone yet, but its expected he 
will depart in about i or 2 Weeks Time/ 

As to your Affairs about Cannon and Stores, I 
understand the Lords of Trade have made a Report 
to the King in Council upon the Letter they lately 
rec"? from thee, but they are under some difHculties 
about those Matters having been pretty much drained 
of Cannon that at present our Success is doubtful, 
but yet the said Lords of Trade are upon drawing 
up a Representation (as their Sec7 informed me) of 
the State of the Northern Colonies in general with 
regard to their Case and Circumstance as to their 
Fortifications, and included Rhode Island amongst 
them, about which I intend still to continue my Care 
and if we are likely to have Encouragement thou 
mayst expect to be advised of it. 

And now herewith I send my Acco' with your 
Colony the Ballance whereof is ^89.16.6 in my favour 
— and as there may possibly be a further occasion 
to advance Money shortly I have presumed to draw 
a Bill on thee of this date for ^100 Sterling at forty 
days Sight payable to Gideon Wanton Esqf which I 
doubt not the Gen! Assembly will enable thee to 
comply with. I am with due Respects to them and 
thy Self, 

Thy assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

22? Ditto 

Since writing the foregoing. War has been pro- 
claimed here in London on the I8*^ Inst, against 

1 He reached America in July. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 215 

France and here inclosed I send the Kings Declara- 
tion of it &c., but we dont hear yet that they have 
done the like in France tho' doubtless we shall be 
soon informed of it. As to the French Expedition 
aga^* Minorca they have landed their Forces there 
and are beseiging Port Mahon where they are likely 
to meet with a Stout Resistance, yet probably they 
will take the place unless they are timely releived by 
Adm! Byng as mentioned in my above letter. The 
Sterling Castle Man of War is still at Portsmouth 
waiting to convoy some Transport Ships bound to 
New York with whom Capt. Johnson intends to sail 
also, all the French Prizes with their Cargoes now 
in the Custody of the English will probable soon be 
ordered to be Sold. 

Lord Louden went to Portsmouth a week since 
and its supposed he sailed in the Nightingal Man 
of War for N. York, ere this time and carried the 
Declaration of War with him. 

I am Thy lo. Friend 

RP Partridge 

I herewith send thee a Copy of a Bill prepared to 
have certainly been brought into Parliament which 
woud have greatly infringed the Privileges of the 
Charter Governm*.' but it has been happily Postponed 
for this Sessions. 

To Stephen Hopkins, Esqr 

Governor of the colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



2 1 6 Correspondence of the 

GOVERNOR HOPKINS TO THE HOUSE OF DEPUTIES. 

To the House of Deputies 

Gentlemen 

At your last Meeting^ I recommended to You the 
making some Addition to the Number of Forces 
heretofore ordered to be raised by this Colony for 
the present Expedition to reduce Crown point Fort 
&c to the Obedience of his Majesty. But as you did 
not think it seasonable to make any Augmentation 
at that Time : My Duty to his Majesty to my Coun- 
try in General and to this Colony in Particular re- 
quires that I should again recommend that Matter to 
your Consideration and urge that You would at this 
Time order so many more Men to be raised in this 
Colony as when added to those already raised may 
make the whole Number equal in Proportion to those 
ordered by the other Colonies concerned in that 
Enterprise. 

I herewith lay before You a Copy of a Law passed 
by the Province of the Massachusetts Bay for Govern- 
ing their Forces in the Expedition above mentioned 
and recommend to you to pass some Act for the 
Government of the Forces sent by this Colony into 
that Service. 

As the Money given to this Colony by the British 
Parliament is daily expected to arrive in America I 
must desire you to direct me in what Manner it shall 
be received and how appropriated 

As the Estates of several Persons convicted of 
Counterfeiting the Bills of Credit of this Colony have 

1 May, 1756. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 217 

been forfeited and are now ready to be appropriated 
I desire you to order in what Manner The same 
shall be done and whether the just Debts such Per- 
sons owed before Conviction shall be paid or not; 
if paid how and by whom and whether such Counter- 
feit Bills as may have been received by the Inhabit- 
ants of this Colony shall be redeemed out of such 
forfeited Estates. 

I must also recommend to You the appointing 
proper Persons to audit the General Treasurer's 
Accounts, and that they be directed to examin what 
Interest Bonds remain unpaid and what Fines be- 
longing to the General Treasury are detained, that 
some Method may be taken to collect such Monies 
as remain due on Them : and also that the Grand 
Committees Accounts be auditted 

And as the Credit of the Colony and of all our 
circulating Bills of Credit wholly depends upon our 
keeping up punctually to our own Acts and sinking 
all our Bills according to the periods stated by the 
Acts for emitting them I recommend it unto You 
to make proper Provisions seasonably for those Pur- 
poses and for defraying the publick Expences of 
this Colony^ 

Step Hopkins 

Council Chamber Newport the Nineth Day of June 1756, 

1 No additional troops were voted. For the action of the Assembly upon the other 
items in the message, see Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 496-498. 



2i8 Correspondence of the 

GERARD BEEKMAN TO THE COMMITTEE OF WAR. 

New York the 26 June 1756 
Gentlemen^ 

I Received from Cap* Joseph Sheldon 3 hhd. 
Bread, one Cask sugar, One Cask w! Stocking and 
41 Blankets, and Agreeable to Jon^ Nichols Esq'^ 
Order,^ have Sent them to M! Rufus Hopkins your 
Colonys Commassary now at Albany,^ at foot you 
have Coppy of W" Gordon and W"?" Wallis Receipt 
for two Dollars Each, In part of their Pay it being 
for their Subsistance While in this place, Since 
which have not seen them, and believe they are gone 
home, you have not yet, agreable to my request let 
me know When Your Troops are discharged from 
this Campaign and Return this way in the fall, 
wether I am to Supply them w* Provisions &c or not, 
untill they Can git a Passage to Rhode Island, This 
is Necessary as they all Call on me for Assistance 
and say they are so direct*? by the Gentelmen Who 
give them their discharge, to which I beg your An- 
swer and You! Oblige Gentlemen 
Your Hum? Serv* 

Gerard G. Beekman 

New York June 1 1*?* 1756 Received of the Com- 
mittee of War for the Colony of Rhode Island by the 
hand of Gerard G. Beekman Two Mild Dollors Each 

1 Member of the Committee of War. 

2 See note on p. 195. Rufus Hopkins was the governor's son, and his was one 
of the appointments for which the administration was severely criticised by its political 
opponents. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 219 

in part of Payment of my Wages in the Colonys 

Service 

W. Gordon 
William Wallis 

Jonathan Nichols Esqf Lieut. Governor Thomas 
Cranston, Peter Bours Esq. and Others Committee 
of War, for the Colony of Rhode Island. 



GENERAL WINSLOW TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Albany June 27. 1756. 

Sir 

Your favl" per Col? Harris was duly delivered me, 
the Contents I note. Inclosed you have a Return of 
the Troops ^ under my Command by which youl find 
we fall short of the Number proposed. By the re- 
turn of Your Regiment I find that several in the last 
return and this Deserted before they join'd the Regi- 
ment. I am in hopes that all the Governments con- 
cerned in the Expedition will supply the full number 
agreed upon, and have returnd none but those on 
the Spot, but if this should not be the Case am de- 
termind to March the whole Body in all next Week 
to Fort William Henry, and hope to find things in 
such readiness there as not to detain me long when 
I shall put the Grand Plan in Execution. 

Captain Rogers has been out on the Discovery 
and Reports that the French have quitted their Ad- 
vancd Post on this side Ticonderogo, and at that 

1 See enclosure. 



2 20 Correspondence of the 

place he judges the Enemy to be three Thousand 
strong. I am Sir, 

Your most Obedient and most humble Servant 

John Winslow 

To Govl: Hopkins. 



[Enclosure.] 

Return of the Rhode Island Troops raised for the Reduction of Crown 

Point} 

AT FORT WILLIAM HENRY. FIT FOR DUTY AT HALF-MOON 

2 Captains. ^^^ Albany. 

I Subaltern. 2 Captains. 

54 Noncommissioned and privates. 5 Subalterns. 

53 Noncommissioned and privates. 

AT FORT EDWARD. 

I Subaltern. invalids. 

6 Noncommissioned and privates. c v, U 



AT SARATOGA. 

I Subaltern. 

21 Noncommissioned and privates 



48 Noncommissioned and privates. 



battoeing and exchange duty. 

I Subaltern. 
AT still water. 48 Noncommissioned and privates. 

I Captain. 

3 Subalterns. total.2 

55 Noncommissioned and privates. 10 Captains. 

15 Subalterns. 
ON COMMAND. 437 Noncommissioned and pri- 

i Captain. v^\.t%. 

6 Noncommissioned and privates. John Winslow 



1 Enclosed in letter of June 27, 1756. 

2 The total number returned in July was 416. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 221 

LETTER OF MAJOR SAMUEL ANGELL.^ 

Camp Half moon June 29: 1756 
Sr 

I received by Col Harris ^ Wherein You Inform 
me that the forces of Our Colony was marched and 
Stoors Sint as for the Latter Wee are in Want of 
Such as Tents kittles Bowls Cans and knapsacks. 
The Camp is in General helthy and the Worst Dis- 
temper that the People of Our Regim"' has is the 
Sperrit of Desertion for by the Last return Wee had 
25 in that Collum. the more of that has happened 
for the Want of the retained men being formed in to 
Sum Companys Which I Expected When Col Harris 
Com Would have Been Prevented by his Bringing 
the Musterools Made Out but he tarrying a Longer 
time then Expected and then not Bringing them I 
thought Strange but know not Where the fault Lays, 
by these Men being Sent on So many Different 
Commands it gave them great Oppurtunity to Desert 
for the Want of Rools it is Impossible Wee Should 
know how many Men Wos Sent. I have Purposed 
to Col Harris to Order the Officers of Each Com- 
pany to Return the Names of the Deserters that they 
May be Sent to the Com* of War but I Know not 
When he Will have it Done. William Reeder Is 
Deserted from My Company. 

Sam^^ Angell. 



1 Major of the Rhode Island regiment sent to Crown Point in 1756. 

2 Christopher Harris, colonel of the Rhode Island regiment raised in February. 
See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 4S4. 



22 2 Correspondence of the 

GENERAL WINSLOW TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Albany July 4'? 1756 
Sir 

Since My Last the Plan of Opperation is Settled 
for Our Present Campain. The whole of the Pro- 
vincials are to Proceed Pass the Lake Enter into the 
Enemys Country and remove the French Incroach- 
ments as at First Designed. And General Aber- 
crombie will Send Sufficient Forces of the Regulars 
to Posses the Post we now Occupie as we Go on and 
have a Number at Forte William Henry to assist or 
Sustaine us if Needfull, which I apprehend is a thing 
as Circumstances are the Best adapted Plan that 
Could be Lade as our People are So Averse to Joyne 
in Duty with the Regulars and The Generals have 
been so Good as to Gratify us in our own way. 
Which I hope will be Acceptable to your Hon'.^ 

The Commissioners Of the Several Goverments 
had a Meeting at My Lodging this Day when it was 
Concluded that for the removing our Ordenance 
Stores the Charge of the Portage should be Borne 
According to the Number of Men Proposed to be 
Sent from the Several Goverments and that to for- 
ward that Service, over and above One Hundred and 
Twenty one oxe Teams Now Employed, and to Fir- 
nish the Transporting Provisions, it would be Neces- 
sary that we have at Least 455 wagons Taken up for 
the use of the whole. The Maior of the City, Re- 
corder And aldermen and Some other Magistrates 
were So Good as [to] meet us and assured [us] that 

1 When Loudoun arrived, at the end of July, the plan of campaign was changed 
again. See Winslow's letter of July 37. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 223 

the Number Demanded Should be Procured and 
Compleated by Tomorrow weak and if More was 
Necessary would Provide them. So that I am [in] 
hopes we shall March the Day after and will Make 
our Tarry at the Lake as Shorte as the Nature of 
the thing will admit off. 

We Lost Last week Lieu* Grant and Twelve Pri- 
vates of the Connecticut Troops Either Kil'^ or 
Taken by the Indians by Suprise (an unfortunate 
Event of war). The Camp are in General Healthy 
and in Good spirits, but Little alteration Since Last 
return. Am your Hon''^ Most 

Obedeant and Most Humble Servant 

John Winslow 

P.S Should be Glad of More hands 

To His Hon' GoV. Hopkins &c. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London 7'? mo (or July) 12'.'' 1756 
To the Gov', of Rhode Isl^ df^" 

I wrote last to yo'' Deputy Gov' of 1 5*^ ult via Bos- 
ton to w''!' I refer, and now I am in hopes that the 
Sterling castle Man of War with the Money on 
board for the Northern Colonies (w''.'' I suppose sailed 
abo* 10 Day since) may be arrived at N. York ere 
this comes to hand, but if it should happen to mis- 
carry as it is liable to do these troublesome Times, 
in as much as it is reported there have been sev' Fr : 
Men of War cruizing off Louisbourg, and the Money 



2 24 Correspondence of the 

being as I'm informed all insured here ; I have been 
thinking it might be proper in that Case, that as 
soon as you hear of Such a Misfortune to send over 
to yo*" Agent a prop"" Power to receive the Money 
here that shall be recov^ of the Insurance, couched 
in the Terms of some such written Authority as is 
herew*** Sent thee to be Signd by the Gov! and Com- 
pany of yof Colony under the Colonies Seal, and 
then at the same Time to draw sund^ Bills on the 
Agent, as money can be had there for them at 60. 
days sight, w'^ Lett^ of advice, and as soon as the 
Money comes into my hands I shall be sure to hon*" 
them to the amount of ^6000 St' and the rest af terw'^.^ 
as I shall advise about, not knowing what Failure 
may happen to some of the Insurers, or perhaps they 
may defer paym' for want of due proof of the Loss, 
w*"*" may be stipulated w'!" those who take the Bills to 
write to their Correspond'* to keep the Bills here a 
suitable Time in case there sh"^ be any delay of Paym* 
because of the Objections w"^*" probably may be made 
by the Insurers as afores^; this method I judg'd 
proper to recommend and leave to thy Consideration. 
As to publ : News, There are Still apprehensions 
of a French Invasion design'd on this Kingdom, and 
great Prepara* are making here ag*.' what may hap- 
pen in that Case, the Castle at Port Mahon holds 
out Still by the last acco* we have had about it : ^ and 
some People are ready to think now that the French 
will hardly take it at last. Some few of our Mer- 
chant Ships have been taken since the War has been 
proclaimed. 

1 See note to letter of May 7, 1756. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 225 

I have lately been again w'!' Lord Halifax, and 
also with the Sec"^ of State H. Fox Esq' Soliciting 
for Cannon &c for yo' Fortifica?, but to little pur- 
pose, the first seemd to excuse him self in as much 
as the Board of Trade has done their part in making 
their Report to the King in Council, and the latter 
tho' he was also of the Privy Council was unwilling 
to medle in it alledging that a Grant of Money had 
already been made to the North" Colonies, meaning 
as I apprehend, that that sh*^ be a Means to excuse 
the Governm' here from granting what is the present 
Subject of our Solicita", and indeed as the Public 
extra Expences on the present pressing Emergencies 
are so prodigious it is no great wonder at this Time 
so hard a Matter to get Money or moneys worth 
from the Treasury. I am &c. R P 

8 mo. Aug? 2*. 

The foregoing is Copy of my last to thee via 
Philad^ since w"^*" I have rec"^ none of thy Favours. 
And now respecting further publick News we have 
certain Advice of Port Mahones being surrend^ to 
the French by Capitula" after a long and vigorous 
defence ; Adm! Byng is returned to Eng*^ being 
sent home by Adm! Hawk from Gibraltar in the 
Antilope M : of War w'^^ Hawk went out in who has 
now the Command of Byngs Fleet in the Meditera", 
the latter on his arrival is put under arrest in ord*" to 
take his Trial (as its supposd) for not doing his duty 
as he might have done in the late Engagem* w*'' the 
French Squadron. 

Adm' Boscawen is yet lying off of Brest blocking 

VOL. 11. 



226 Correspondence of the 

up the French Fleet in that Port, for the rest I refer 
to the inclosed Print and remain Thy Friend 

R? Partridge. 

To The Governor and Company 
of the Colony of Rhode Island 



GENERAL WINSLOW TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Camp at Forte Edward July 27 1756 
Hon^'f Sir 

Yours of the i6*^ of July I reef and finde that the 
Plan of Opperation that was Entered upon was 
agreable to your Honl" and I Immagine the Best that 
could have been Devised and Seams to be the opin- 
ion of the Several Governments. 

But Since That things have Taken another Turn, 
for after I Thought all things were Compleat and I 
on my march from half Moon, I rec^ an Express 
from Albany to repair there which I Did, and had a 
Meeting with General Abercromby — Sir Charles 
Hardy Sir Will™ Johnston Col? Webb and Other 
Principal Officers, who Inform^ me that they had 
Concluded to Send Forward Col? Webbs Regiment 
to Garrison this Place and the Fortes below it Forte 
Miller Excepted which they Sleight and when once 
our Stores are out I am of Opinion is Not worth a 
Keeping) One other Regiment is Gone Forward to 
Oswego, and a Junction Proposf between the others 
and us w''.'' I Donte Like half So well as the other 
Plan as it Seams almost Impossible that Such a 
Junction Can be made and the Libertys of the Pro- 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 227 

vincials Kept up. I have Sir Sent you the Question 
Propos^ at Albany with my answer.^ and haveing 
refered it to all the Field officers in Camp and 
Forte, they have had it Five Days in Debate and 
are greatly Divided in Some parts of their answers, 
tho' Universally agree that be the Event what it will 
No Junction Can be Admitted off, Unless the Pro- 
vincial Officers Hold their Proper Rank as we Look 
upon our Selves only as Executors in Trust for the 
Provinces have Sent you the Result and Protest 
Since my Last Some Days Since we had Three men 
kil^ and Two Taken Prisoners in Sight of Forte 
William Henry, and yesterday Morning at Five o' 
the Clock within Sixty Rods of the Same Forte we 
had Two men kilf viz! Gideon Potter of Col° Angels 
Company and Charles Goff a Carter. Two other 
Men wounded our People Pursued and recovered 
about Twenty [illegible] and some Hatchetts but no 
Men. 

We Two Days Since had three Deserters from 
the Forte at Carelong ^ alias Ticonderoga. who I 
have Examin^ and Sent you w''.' Is material in it, as 
also Inclose you a Return of our State 

Am now Sir to Return your Honl" and the Govern- 
ment Mine and the Armys Sincere Thanks for the 
Care taken of us by ordering a Hundred Men to 
Joyne us ^ a Truly Laudable Zeal and worthy Immi- 
tation which I hope will Reach the Massachusetts 
and Produce Good Effects 

1 An account of Loudoun's difficulties in ranking the provincials is in Parkman's 
Montcalm and Wolfe, I. 399, 400. 

2 Carillon. 

8 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 500 ; also Hopkins's letter, Ibid., p. 485. 



228 Correspondence of the 

Our Stores and things will Soon be at the Lake 
and if Not retarded for want of Boats Shall soon be 
in Motion Purpose to March for the Lake tomorrow 
with your Regiments Col? Rugles and one Other 
Massachusetts and one Connecticut to Endeavor to 
put an End to the Enemys Depredations 

I am Sir with Great regard your very Humble 
Servant 

John Winslow 

To The Hon'''* Govf Hopkins 



GOVERNOR FITCH TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

NORWALK 2 7'^ July 1756 

Sir, 

Having received from M' Barons Sir Charles 
Hardy's Secretary a Copy of Sir William Johnson's 
Letter to Major General Abercrombie giving a sum- 
mary Account of the Conclusion of M"" Johnson's 
Treaty with the Chiefs of the Shawanese and Dela- 
ware Indians, which M' Barons Desired me to com- 
municate to you, I have inclosed a Copy of the Copy 
he sent me/ And Doubt not the agreable Intelli- 
gence will be accepted with great Satisfaction, I 
hope the affair will terminate not only for the general 
good but in Special for the releife of those particular 
parts where those Indians with others have Exercised 

1 Johnson's letter is given in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 529. An interesting account of 
Johnson's work among the Indians during this trying campaign, and of this treaty with 
the Delawares, is in Parkman's Montcalm and Wolfe, I. 390-3930 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 229 

such Extream Barbarity and Cruelties. I am Sir 
with much respect 

Your Honours most Obedient and most humble 
Servant 

Tho? Fitch 

The Hon^l' Stephen Hopkins Esq' 



GOVERNOR DENNY 1 TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Philadelphia 21 Aug' 1756. 

Sir^ 

The Proprietors having done me the Honor, with 
the Kings Approbation, to appoint me the Governor 
of this Province, I take this Opportunity to inform 
you of my having published their Commission and 
taken upon me the Administration. 

I shall be extreamly glad to embrace all Occasions 
of promoting His Majesties Service and the general 
Interest of the Colonies and as without an Union of 
Councils and a good Correspondence between the 
Several Governors little good is to be expected, I 
shall take the Liberty to communicate to you from 
time to time whatever Intelligence I shall receive, as 
well as the several Steps I shall take for the publick 
Service upon which I shall be obliged to you to give 
me your Sentiments which will always have a great 
weight with me. 

I hope I shall be enabled to Act with Spirit at 
this Important Juncture when nothing less than the 

1 Governor of Pennsylvania from 1756 to 1759. 



230 Correspondence of the 

Preservation of this Province in particular and that 
of the Colonies in general is so nearly concerned. 

It will give me a sensible Pleasure if in the course 
of my Administration I shall have it in my power to 
render you any Service. I am 

Your Excellency's most Obedient humble Servant 

William Denny 



THOMAS STEPHENS TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Sir, 

Though unknown I take the Liberty of addressing 
you with this to inform you that tis the particular 
Desire of M*" Partridge ^ who has always espoused 
my Undertaking that I wait upon you in Order to 
communicate any Thing that may promote the Man- 
ufacture of Pot Ash ; and that my Works here being 
now upon a good Footing I design my Self the 
Honour to wait on you the 2^. of next Month in my 
Way South, and if you know of any one that wants 
my Advice or Assistance I shall be proud to Serve 
them and am with due Respect Sir 

Your most obedient and very humble Servant 

Tho^ Stephens 
Boston 4 Sept' 1756 

To The Hon^'^ Stephen Hopkins Esq' 

Governor Commander in Chief &c in Provi- 
dence 

1 See Partridge's letter of July 30, 1754, and note. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 231 

MAJOR SAMUEL ANGELL TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Camp Fort Wm Henry 5 Sep" 1756 
Hon^ Sir 

I Received a Letter from Rufus ^ a few Days Ago 
Wherein he Mentions that the Com* of War Com- 
plains that they have no acc*^ from any Officer in the 
Regiment Wat Wee Was Like to Do 

as for Any Blame of that kind I must Beg Leave 
to be Excused, for Every time I had it in my Power 
I wrote to you the Best Intilegence that that I had 
but tru it is that I never Entred Into Particulars 
as there has Never Been but Little Certenty About 
Our Going forward or not and Remains So Yet 

As the Express that Came to General Winslow 
from L'^ Loudon on the News of Oswego being taken ^ 
Ordered him to fortify Both forts and Camps as 
Strong as he Could and also Informs that he has 
Sent Expresses to all the Goverments and Ordred 
them to Rais as Many Men as they Could forth 
With and he Ordred the General not to think of 
Going forward as by his being Defeted it Might 
throo the hoole Country into Ruin at One. Wee 
have Certin news that they have Destroyed Oswego 
and Left the Place and it is also Said that they put 
all the Prisoners to the Sword Except 250 Carpen*""* 
and Saylor* if Such Usage Wont Rais the Sperrits 
and Warm the Blood of Old Olivers Sons I know 
not What WilP 

1 Rufus Hopkins, commissary at Albany, and son of the governor. 

2 Oswego was taken by Montcalm on August 14. See Loudoun's letter to Hopkins, 
of August 20, in Col. Rec.of R.I., V. 510, and the resolution of the Assembly thereupon. 

8 This report was not true. Some of the prisoners were butchered by the excited 



232 Correspondence of the 

I am hear With nigh half of Our Reg' Who are 
not Verry Sickley. Colonel Harris, Major Babcock 
and other Officers are at fort Edward With the Rest 
of the Reg* Verry Sickley, as is all the other forces 
at Fort Edward and Was before I came from there 
18 Days ago.^ it has Been Sickly and a Dying 
Time here but Seems to be Over and the People On 
the Recovery Wee have Little or no ace*' from the 
Enemy Except four Days Ago Capt Roger Brought 
in three french Prisoners a man his Wife and Daugh- 
ter of ten year' Old from Crown Point, they Say 
there is 5000 Men at Crown Point and Cavilery be- 
sides Indans.^ 

Wee have not heard of an Indan or french man 
Seen Round Our Camp Or nigh fort Edward this 
Month Past. I heard that Sum of the Boston Ran- 
glers have begun to Pick hooles in Our Campain but 
Let these Studeous Enquirers that Say Wee are Only 
a Moth to the Country Say What Barior the french 
Would have from Coming throug Newengland Was 
it not for the forces hear and at Albany. And I belive 
that it is the Opinon of Most thinking Men that the 
Taking Oswego Will Promp them To Make A 
Tryal this Way Excep our Men of War being in the 
Bay of St Larrance Should Divert them that Way. 



savages, frenzied by the rum which fell into their hands at the time of the capitulation ; 
but the great body of men, women, and children were protected by the extraordinary 
efforts of Montcakn, who appeased his Indian allies by the most reckless promises, 
the fulfilment of which would, he asserted, cost the French king eight or ten thousand 
livres. Parkman, Montcalm and Wolfe, I. 413. 

1 The camps were ill-provided with necessaries, and badly managed. The mortality 
was great. 

2 Montcalm took post at Ticonderoga with 5300 men, and remained there, watching 
he provincials, under Winslow, at Fort William Henry, until the season closed. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 233 

it Seems by the Acc'^ I had from hoome that Our 
People in General Was got Into a Sleepy Emagind 
Safty and had forgot the Last Sumers Allarm but I 
Expect this News of Oswego being taken Will 
awaken those Who have any knowled[ge] of the 
Consequence of that Place being Destroyed 

I Rem[ai]n Your Most Obdent at Command 

Sam^^ Angell 

My Respects [to] Judg Jenckes and his falely 
[family?] hoping friend [s] are Well 

To Stephen Hopkins Esq' 



GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Boston Sept! 13*^ 1756 
Sir, 

I am extremely oblig'd to your Honour for your 
letter of the 30*.'' of August by M^ Howard, and am 
very sorry that I had it not in my power to let you 
know by his return the Resolutions of the Massachu- 
setts Assembly upon Lord Loudon's letter of the 
20*.^ of August, w'^.'" were not determin'd upon 'till 1 1*^ 
Instant; and I now let you know in my Circular 
letter/ 

They have, I hear since ; destroyed the forts upon 
the Oneida Carrying place, w''!' they have abandon'd 
and retir'd to the German flats ; I mean our forces 



1 The letter of August 30 was evidently written upon the instructions of the Assem- 
bly. See Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 510 ; and the "Circular letter " is one of date September 
13, sent to all governors of northern colonies, stating that Massachusetts had voted to 
send 1600 men to the front, if necessary. This is in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 533. 



234 Correspondence of the 

have done this; But as I know not the Motives, 
can't Judge of the Affair/ 

It will be certainly right to strengthen Lord Lou- 
don, as much as is possible. 

Our Governm! have agreed to take their Money of 
Mf Apthorpe, as he can supply it, at the Exchange 
of lo^ Massachusetts Old Tenour for \£ Sterling 
in order to save risque and charges of transporting 
it from New York to Boston ; I have not time to 
inclose you the Copy of the Contract ; w*'?' shall be 
done by next Post. 

I have only time to assure your Honour of my 
most sincere regard and Esteem for you, and that I 
shall be glad to recieve your Commands in England^ 
being with much truth Sir 

Your Hon""'.^ most Obedient Servant 

W Shirley 

The Hon^!^ Stephen Hopkins Esq! 



GOVERNOR HOPKINS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

To the General Assembly, 

Gentlemen 

The Bills of Publick Credit emitted by this Col- 
ony, and now circulating, which ought to be the 

1 Webb, who had been sent with reinforcements to Oswego, was met at the Great 
Carrying Place which divided the water-shed of the Mohawk River from that of Lake 
Ontario, by the news that the French had captured both fort and garrison, and were 
advancing into New York, He retreated with great precipitation, burned Fort Bull, 
on Wood Creek, and Fort William, on the Mohawk, which guarded the portage, and 
retired to the Palatine village of German Flats, further down the river. 

2 Shirley was recalled to England by a letter of March 31. See his letter to Hop- 
kins of July 13, 1756, in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 531, and note to letter of November 8, 
1742. He sailed in the latter part of September. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Isla7id 235 

fixed measure of Property ; are fallen so much into 
discredit, as to be extreamly injurious to Private Per- 
sons, and to the Publick Character of the Colony ; and 
now greatly discourage, and soon must put a total 
Stop, to all our trade and Commerce, if some proper 
remedy be not found out, and applied by the General 
Assembly, to prevent so general a Calamity. 

I therefore recomend it to you, to take this Matter 
into your Serious Consideration, and find out, and 
apply such remedy's, as may, if not wholly cure, yet 
in some degree Alleviate, so distructive, and so grow- 
ing an Evil. To this purpose, it will be absolutely 
Necessary, to carry into execution, without any de- 
lay, the Vote already passed for Levying a Tax on 
the Inhabitants of the Colony. And whether it will 
not be much more effectual to the good ends Aimed 
at, that the Tax should be changed from what it now 
stands,^ into Eight Thousand Pounds Lawfull Money, 
to be called in by it, and sunk agreeable to the emit- 
ting Act ; ^ I must leave you to Consider and deter- 
mine. Again, whether it would not have some good 
effect, on the Credit of our Old and New Tenor Bills, 
if the Tenths^ were all Ordered to be paid in the same 
Specific Bills which were taken out by the Debtor. 

Such intelligence, as I have received from the 

1 The " rate " enacted was for £4000 " lawful money," to be called in and burnt. 
See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 507. 

2 This act authorized an emission of £Sooo "lawful money." Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 
481. 

8 Provision for the redemption of bills of credit was sometimes made by enacting 
that one tenth part of the whole loan should be redeemed each successive year for ten 
years. In Governor Ward's Report to the Lords of Trade on paper money in Rhode 
Island, he alludes to two such instances in the legislation of that colony, in 1 728 and 
in 1740. Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 9, 12. A committee was appointed in 1749 which was, 
among other duties, " to receive the money paid in for tenths, and to burn the same." 
Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 274. 



236 Correspondence of the 

English Army in America, and from Albany, I shall 
lay before you, and desire your further directions, 
concerning the Four Hundred Men lately raised. 

Step Hopkins 
Council Chamber, Providence Octo! 28. 1756 



WILLIAM BAYARD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

New York November 19'? 1756. 
Sir. 

Your Favour of the 27. Ultimo per your Son M' 
George Hopkins I duly rece^ Wherein Observe You 
have Sent him, in order to Receive the Moneys, 
Granted by Parliament, and Lodge in my hands for 
Your Colloney, with the proper Receipts Signed by 
Your Honour as Governour, By Virtue of an Act 
Passed by your Colloney for that Purpose,^ Agreeable 
to which have Delivered him the Same, being Six 
Chest of Silver, and One of Gold, as You will find 
by the Account of the Same, Transmitted You from 
the Contractors, for which Ml" Beekman has paid me 
;^ 1 1.9.6 being the Charges Attending the Bring- 
ing up Landing and Carting here, and in which 
Sum there is no Commission Charged by me for my 
Trouble, nor do I Expect any, but Shall at all Times 
be Glad when it is in my Power to be of Service to 
You or that Colloney and am, 

Your Honour's most Obediant Serv* 

W^ Bayard 

To the Honourable Stephen Hopkins Esq"" 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 512. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 237 

NATHAN WHITING 1 TO THE COMMITTEE OF WAR. 

New Haven Dec' 15 1756 
Gent 

I herewith Send you An Account of Some pro- 
visions and Clothing belonging to the Garisons of 
Fort W"* Henry and Fort Edward, Which was put 
there Last Winter and made one General Charge 
off; by the agreement of Commissioners from the 
Several Governments, who Setled them Garisons ; ^ 
As no one Commissary would have Any thing to 
do with them I thought it my Duty to take care of 
them for the Governments, Accordingly I delivered 
the provision to the Kings Commissary, and Lodged 
the Clothing in Suitable hands to take care of it 
till the Goverments make Some Settlement about 
it or give directions What Shall be done with it. 

I have endeavoured also to take the best care of the 
Tents and Camp utensils belonging to each Gover- 
ment. you have enclosed an Ace* of those belonging 
to Rhode Island,^ As well as Some Arms and other 
things, they were obliged to be Left, as Cariages 
Could not be Obtained at that time to bring them 
Down, you have also the Number of Sloops &c at 
the Lake 

You will excuse me Gent, for taking the Liberty 
to Acquaint you that Governours Shirley and Fitch 
have done me the Honour to give me their Com- 
missions for Quarter Master General of the Provin- 
cial Troops, I believe it was Aproved of by the 

1 See note to letter of January i, 1756. 

2 See note on p. 195. 
8 Not in the archives. 



238 Correspondence of the 

Principal officers of the Other Goverments Who 
thought Such an Officer Necessary. As those of 
your Colony can Answer for Themselves I need only 
refer you to them, the Province of the Massachu- 
setts have made an Establishment for Such an officer 
of ten pound per Month at Least their Quota of it, 
if you can find it has been Needfull, As I assure you 
it has been troublesome, and will do me the favour 
to use your Influence I may have Some allowance 
from your Colony.-^ I shall always Acknowledge the 
obligation. I am most Respectfully 
Gent 
your most Obed* and very humble Serv* 

N Whiting 

The Hon^'^ Com**^ War 

Newport 



LORD LOUDOUN TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF 
RHODE ISLAND.2 

Boston Saturday 29* JanT 1757. 
Gentlemen 

You must be very sensible, that the Measures 
taken the Last Years for the Preservation of his Ma- 
jesty's Dominions and Colonies upon this Continent 
and for the Annoyance of his Majesties enemies 
have proved ineffectual, and instead of removing the 
French from any of their Encroachments, we have 
suffered them to make considerable advances upon 

1 No mention of such " allowance " appears upon the Assembly Records. 
a Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 15. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 239 

Us. I shall put you in Mind of some of the Pro- 
ceedings to which I apprehend Your Misfortunes 
may be in a great Measure attributed 

When I left London which was on the i f^ of May 
the Ministry had received no Intelligence, of the De- 
termination of any of the Governments, to prosecute 
an Expedition against Crown Point altho' this Deter- 
mination had been made by the Massachusetts, the 
16*?* of February, and I cannot account for this Neg- 
lect in those whose Duty it was to have given the 
Earliest Advice that might be. The Want of this 
advice rendered it impossible for Me, to receive any 
Orders with immediate relation to your Resolutions. 

Upon my Arrival at Albany I found that your 
Forces fell very much short of the Number you had 
agreed to raise, and which you thought Necessary 
for the Service and from the best Information I could 
get the Troops in General were not equal to those 
which you always had employed on former Occasions, 
I could not therefore think it advisable for them to 
proceed without the assistance of part of his Majes- 
ties Regular Troops. I met with unexpected Diffi- 
culties, and was much retarded in settling the Con- 
nection between the Regulars and the Provincials ^ 
and before it could be fully effected and any Pro- 
ceedings had in Consequence of it, I received the 
News of the Surrender of the Forts and Garrison at 
Oswego and all his Majesties Possessions upon the 
Lakes to the French The true state and Circum- 



1 By a Royal Order of May 12, 1756, all general and field officers with provincial 
commissions were to take rank only as eldest captains when serving with regular 
troops. Parkman, Montcalm and Wolfe, I. 399. 



240 Correspondence of the 

stances of these Forts and Garrisons were never 
represented to Me by my Predecessors,^ I had good 
reason to think that the Enemy flushed with Success 
would make an Attack upon the Provincial Forces. 
I immediately wrote to the several Governours and 
demanded an Aid suitable to the State of their Af- 
fairs, What success I had you very well know. There 
was in some of You a Profession of Readiness to 
afford assistance, and the shew and Appearance of it 
in the Votes of Assembly, but it turned out in Fact 
that the Attempts to carry those Votes into execution 
were defeated and proved ineffectual. 

Some Time after I had applied to the several Gov- 
ernments for Aid it pleased God, that the Recruits 
from London and the High-Lands arrived, and I was 
able to collect a greater Number of the Recruits 
raised for the Royal American Regument, than I 
had any hopes of being able to collect at that Sea- 
son of the Year all which I immediately Joined to 
the Regular Troops and as Many of them as could 
be spared, I marched for the Strengthning and for 
the Security of the Provincial Forces 

I have since received certain Intelligence that I 
was not mistaken in my Apprehensions of the De- 
signs of the French and that it was the Accounts 
which they received from their Scouts and Spies, of 
the Actual March of the Regulars the Number of 
which was reported to be greater than it really was, 

1 This is an attack upon Shirley, whom Loudoun censured severely, and with some 
reason, for the deplorable condition of the garrison at Oswego. In Shirley's behalf it 
may be said that he would doubtless have reinforced the half-starved troops long be- 
fore the French made their assault, had he not been superseded by Abercrombie, who 
was in turn superseded by Loudoun, with the result that the reinforcements waited a 
month for marching orders. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 241 

which diverted them from the Resolutions which they 
had formed. What the Event of such an Attack 
would have been, God only knows, I was extremely 
anxious about it, and I have the greatest reason to 
think, that if it had been made upon the Provincials 
alone it would, have been followed with very fatal 
Consequences 

Your Forces after this, by Sickness or Desertion 
or both was daily diminished, the Season was so far 
advanced that I had no farther Thoughts of any 
offensive Measures against the Enemy, and I deter- 
mined that as soon as they withdrew, the Provincials 
should be dismissed, and that the Charge which the 
Several Governments were at for their pay should 
cease as soon as Possible. 

This has been the State and Progress of your 
affairs the Year past, I hope Gentlemen, that under 
the Guidance and Blessing of Divine Providence the 
Plan of Operation for another Year will be better 
prosecuted. 

I have devised a Meeting of your several Govern- 
ments by their Governours and Commissioners at 
this Time in Order to their determining, what Num- 
ber of Men they raise to be employed in Conjunction 
with his Majesties Regular Forces, the ensuing 
Year. 

Considering the Vast Expense of suporting so 
Large a Number of Troops as are Employed by his 
Majesty for the Protection of his Colonies, the Bur- 
then whereof you bear no part in. You cannot Think 
much of contributing so small a Proportion towards 
your own Defense as I now require of You, for could 

VOL. II. 



242 Correspondence of the 

I be assured of four Thousand good and effective 
Men, to be raised by the four Governments of New- 
England in such Proportion as you shall settle 
amongst yourselves I would not urge you to go be- 
yond that Number. 

I must recommend to You the giving better en- 
couragement to your Officers, than you have formerly 
done which may be an inducement to Persons, who 
shall be equal to their Posts, and who will preserve 
Order and Discipline to engage in the Service, and 
I think if some part of your Men's pay, were con- 
verted into a Fund, to assist in giving them Neces- 
sary cloathing it would be of great Use. 

The Particular Place or Service, in which I must 
employ these Forces, it is not in my Power to com- 
municate to You, I wait for Answers to my Letters 
gone to England before [therefore ?] I cannot fully 
determine upon it myself but if you were to wait 
until I receive them, before you proceed to raise the 
Men, it would be too Late to do it for the Service of 
this Year. 

Besides Gentlemen, great inconveniences must 
arise from making my Design Publick, and I know 
of no advantage which can accrue from it. The Con- 
fining Your Men to any particular Service appears 
to Me to be a Preposterous Measure ^ Our Affairs 
are not in a Situation as to make it reasonable for 
any Colony to be influenced by its particular Interest. 
The Question is in what way and Manner the whole 
may be secured and the Common Enemy of all most 
effectually annoyed. This is the Point I must keep 

1 This was the usual method. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 243 

in View and no Consideration will prevail with Me, 
to depart from it 

You may depend on my Treating your Men with 
all that Tenderness and Indulgence which will con- 
sist with necessary Order and Discipline, and that I 
will employ them, whenever there shall be room for 
it, in such services -as shall be most suitable to their 
Genius, and the way and Manner of fighting to 
which they have been used and that they shall be 
discharged at farthest, at the Expiration of the Term 
for which they are raised, and as much sooner as the 
service will admit but to engage that I will employ 
them in this or that particular Place only, it is what 
I cannot do upon any Terms, for I think it would 
be most Prejudicial to the Publick than the whole 
Benefit which we may expect from the Provincial 
Forces would countervail. 

I do not thus express myself to You Gentlemen 
because I think it a Matter of but little Consequence 
whether you Afford me Aid or Not, No, I think it of 
such Moment, that you would never be able to atone 
for a refusal, I hope therefore you will spare no 
Time upon this Point, but will without delay, deter- 
mine upon a Compliance with my Proposal to you, 
that so we may begin our Preparations this Year 
earlier than we have ever done before/ 

Loudoun 



1 See the letter of the Rhode Island Commissioners upon the procedure of the Con- 
gress of Delegates at Boston. Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 28. The Assembly met on Feb- 
ruary I, and voted to raise, clothe, and pay 450 effective men for the ensuing campaign, 
to serve for one year under Lord Loudoun. Ibtd., VI. 22. 



244 Correspondence of the 

RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London 2 month or Feb : 3. 1757 
Gov''. Hopkins 

My last to thee was of ^^ Novr Since which I 
have rec? no Letter from thee, all matters relating to 
your Colony here remain quiet as they have done for 
a considerable time past, but our Publick Affairs 
during the present Occurrences in America as else 
where have been so very discouraging and caused 
great uneasiness and complaints by the Populace 
against the great Personages in Power, that it has 
caused of late very considerable alterations in the 
Ministry, amongst whom L'? Chancellor Hardwick, 
the Duke of New Castle, Henry Fox Esq' and Lord 
Anson have all resigned their places, and the D: of 
Devonshire is now first Lf Comf of the Treasury, 
W? Pitt Esq' Secry of State, and Lord Temple first 
Lord Comf of the Admiralty with other considerable 
Changes but L*^ President and Lf Halifax and the 
SecrY at War hold their Places still — whether these 
alterations will be for the better Time must mani- 
fest/ 

The Parliam! met the 2^ Inst, and have granted a 
Considerable Sum for Provi[si]ons and Supplies for 
maintaining Forces and Garrisons in the Plantations, 
and its likely some vigorous Measures will be pur- 
sued in favour of the Northern Colonies early against 

1 In October, 1756, Fox resigned, and Newcastle followed his example in Novem- 
ber. In December a new ministry was formed, with Devonshire as Newcastle's suc- 
cessor, William Pitt in place of Fox, and Lord Temple at the head of the Admiralty. 
In the following April the king dismissed both Temple and Pitt, and in June the nota- 
ble coalition ministry was formed, with Newcastle at the Treasury, Pitt and Lord 
Holdernesse as Secretaries of State, and Anson once more at the Admiralty. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 245 

the Spring, 70 Transport Ships its said are gone or 
going to take in Forces at Portsmouth or Plymouth 
to the Number of 8 or 10,000, and that it is Hkely 
they will be accompanied with a Strong Squadron of 
Men of War whether they are designed to land at 
New York or Bound directly for Canada we know 
[not] yet, — and Adm! West is lately sailed from 
Portsmouth with about 12 Sail of Men of War but 
their destination not made publick. 

Adm! Byng has at length been tried by a Court 
Marshal and sentenced to dye, but on some circum- 
stance appearing in the Course of his Trial he is by 
the Court recommended to Mercy. 

The House of Commons in consideration of the 
present dearness of Wheat and flour in this King- 
dom are about passing an Act for encouraging the 
bringing it in to this Kingdom from abroad by taking 
off the high duties here which at present subsist, and 
prohibiting the Exportation of Grain from hence, and 
also are passing an Act for prohibiting for a limited 
time the Exportation of Wheat, flour, Bread and pro- 
visions from our Plantations and Colonies in Amer- 
ica except to Great Britain, Ireland or to some of the 
said Plantations,^ for the rest I refer to the Magazine 
and prints sent per this Conveyance to Andrew Oli- 
ver Esqf of Boston to forward to thee, 
and I remain respectfully 

Thy lo : Friend 

R'? Partridge. 
To Stephen Hopkins Esqf 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 

Providence Plantations. 

1 See Pownall's letter of March 7, 1757. 



246 Correspondence of the 



WILLIAM PITT TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF 
RHODE ISLAND.^ 

Whitehall Feb. 4'." 1757. 
Gentlemen, 

The King, having nothing more at heart, than the 
Preservation of His Good Subjects and Colonies of 
North America, has come to a Resolution of acting 
with the greatest Vigour in those Parts, the ensuing- 
Campaign ; and all necessary Preparations are mak- 
ing for sending a considerable Reinforcement of 
Troops, together with a strong Squadron of Ships 
for that Purpose; And in order to act Offensively 
against the French in Canada.^ 

It is His Majesty's Pleasure that You should forth- 
with call together Your Council and Assembly, and 
press them, in the strongest Manner, to raise, with 
the utmost Expedition, a Number of Provincial 
Troops, at least equal to those raised the last Year, 
for the Service of the ensuing Campaign, over and 
above what they shall judge necessary for the imme- 
diate Defence of their own Province, and that the 
Troops, so raised, do act in such Parts as the Earl 
of Loudoun, or the commander in Chief of His Ma- 
jesty's Forces, for the Time being, shall judge most 
conducive to the Service in general. And the King 
doubts not, but that the several Provinces, truly sen- 
sible of His Paternal Care, in sending so large a 
Force for their Security, will exert their utmost En- 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 39. Pitt was Secretary of State from December, 
1756, to April, 1757. 

2 Loudoun suggested an attempt to take Louisbourg, which, it will be remembered, 
was returned to the French by the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748. Pitt accepted the 
suggestion. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 247 

deavours to second, and strengthen such Offensive 
Operations against the French, as the Earl of Lou- 
doun, or the Commander in Chief, for the Time being, 
shall judge expedient; and will not clogg the Enlist- 
ments of the Men, or the Raising of the Money for 
their Pay, &c : , with such Limitations, as have hith- 
erto been found to render their Service difficult and 
ineffectual ; And as a further Encouragement, I am 
to acquaint You, that the Raising of the Men, their 
Pay, Arms and Cloathing, will be all, that will be 
required on the Part of the several Provinces, Mea- 
sures having been already taken for laying up Maga- 
zines of Stores and Provisions of all kinds, at the 
Expence of the Crown. 

I cannot too strongly recommend it to You, to use 
all Your Influence with Your Council and Assembly 
for the punctual and immediate Execution of these 
His Majesty's Commands. I am. Gentlemen, 
Your most obedient humble Servant, 

W. Pitt. 

Govt and Company of Rhode Island. 



JOHN POWNALL^ TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Whitehall, March 7*.'' 1757. 
Gentlemen, 

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners for 

Trade and Plantations to send you the inclosed Act 

passed in the present Session of Parliament, inti- 

1 Secretary to the Lords of Trade, and brother of Thomas Pownall, who was 
appointed lieutenant-governor of New Jersey and (1757) succeeded Shirley as governor 
of Massachusetts. 



248 Correspondence of the 

tuled, " An Act to prohibit for a limited time the 
Exportation of Corn, Grain, Meal, Malt, Flour, Bread, 
Biscuit, Starch, Beef, Pork, Bacon, and other Victual 
(except Fish and Roots and Rice to be exported to 
any part of Europe southward of Cape Finisterre) 
from His Majesty's Colonies and Plantations in Amer- 
ica, unless to Great Britain or Ireland, or to some 
of the said Colonies and Plantations ; and to permit 
the Importation of Corn and Flour into Great Brit- 
ain and Ireland in neutral Ships ; and to allow the 
Exportation of Wheat, Barley, Oats, Meal and Flour 
from Great Britain to the Isle of Man for the Use of 
the Inhabitants there " ; ^ and am, Gentlemen, 
Your most obedient humble Servant, 

J POWNALL 

Governor and Company of Rhode Island 



J, OSBORNE 2 TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Boston April, 2? 1757. 
Sir^ 

You may remember that the I6'^ July last, we had 
your favours, wherein you proposed to Us, that as 
we had fixed a Currier to Ride, between here and 
Albany for the carrying and bringing Letters to and 
from Our Army, that if you might Improve him for 
that purpose in behalf of Your Government, you 
would pay your proportion of the Charge. Accord- 
ingly we now send you an Acco! of what is reason- 

1 See letter of February 3, 1757. 

2 John Osborne was for many years a member of the Council of Massachusetts. 



Coloitial Governors of Rhode Island 249 

able for you to Pay, which is as follows — Paid Ste- 
phen Gunn for Riding from the 20'.'' July, when you 
began, to 2o'^ December following 22 Turns at £6 
L Money is ;^ 132 — J*^ part is ;^22 — which Sum of 
;i^22 please to order Payment to your Honours very 
humble Serv* 

In the Name of the Com*" 

J. Osborne 

P. S. Our whole Acco* for Gunn's Riding came 
to ;^220.6 L. Money. 

The honH'^ Stephen Hopkins Esq' 

Gov' of Rhode Island. 



CHRISTOPHER KILBY ^ TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

New York 4'!' April 1757. 
Sir 

You are hereby desired to furnish three weeks 
Provision for the Rhode Island Forces for their Pas- 
sage to Albany ^ viz. Pork 4 lbs a man a week. Bread 
7 lbs Beans or Peas 3 pints or half that quantity of 
Rice in lieu thereof besides half a pound of Rice a 
week and six ounces of Butter, or one specie of equal 
value in lieu of another, you will be pleased to make 



1 Kilby was a prominent Boston merchant, who was sent by Massachusetts to Eng- 
land in 1 741 to petition for a rehearing of the Rhode Island boundary case, and re- 
mained until 1756, when he accompanied Loudoun to America in the capacity of 
"agent-victualler " of the army. 

2 Loudoun was collecting the colonial forces at New York, to embark them for Nova 
Scotia. See note to letter of February 4, 1757. The Assembly had directed that the 
Rhode Island troops should be ready to march on March 25 (Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 34). 
On April 12 orders were sent to Governor Hopkins to send the men by water. Ibid., 
VI. 4T. 



250 Correspondence of the 

the Supply exact without depending upon a Short 
Passage, as a week or ten days over stock may be 
made use of after their arrival before they have re- 
course to the Victualing Office at Albany for a fur- 
ther supply, and 'tis not improbable but they may 
Land and Tarry a few days either below or above 
Albany to avoid the Small Pox. For the cost of 
these you'll be pleased to reimburse yourself by Bills 
upon Mr Leonard Jarvis Merchant in Boston giving 
him previous notice thereof, which I apprehend will 
be paid in Dollars or other Specie, the benefit thereof 
you'll be pleased to be attentive to in the Purchasses 
made at Rhode Island. I am Sir 

. Your most humble Servt. 

Chris. Kilby. 

The Honble Stephen Hopkins Esqr 



PETITION OF SAMUEL WARD ^ TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

To the Honorable the General Assembly of his 
Majesty's Colony of Rhode Island &€ now sitting at 
Newport 

The Petition of Samuel Ward of Westerly in 
Kings County Merchant humbly sheweth that 
Stephen Hopkins Esqy late Governor of this Colony 
did write a certain piece and cause the same to be 

1 Ward represented Westerly in the Assembly, and was from this time the leader 
of the Newport faction in the Rhode Island political battle known as the Ward-Hop- 
kins controversy. The most concise and lucid account of this passage at arms is that 
given by Mr. C. S. Brigham in Field's State of Rhode Island and Providence Plan- 
tations, I. 199-204, 206-213. See also Foster's Life of Hopkins (Rider's Historical 
Tract No. rg). 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 251 

printed and published which (in your Petitioner's 
Opinion) reflected great dishonour upon many Mem- 
bers of the lower House of Assembly ; that the Pe- 
titioner being one of that House, and therefore con- 
cerned to vindicate its Honor, did write and publish 
an Answer to My Hopkins, for which that Gentleman 
hath commenced an Action of Defamation against 
your Petitioner laying his Damages at twenty thousand 
Pounds.* According to the Tenor of the Writ this 
Action is to be tried at next Providence Court; in 
which place your Petitioner does not think there is 
the least Probability of his having any Thing like a 
fair and impartial Tryal and being informed that his 
Life is threatened, if the Plaintiff should not obtain 
Satisfaction in the Law, he humbly prays that the 
hearing and trying the said Action may be removed 
from Providence to some other County where your 
Petitioner may with safety appear and where there is 
a Probability of such a Tryal as is the Birth right 
of an English Subject. And your Petitioner as in 
Duty bound shall ever Pray 

S Ward 

Newport May 7*." 1757. 

1 The opponents of Governor Hopkins (candidate and leader of the Providence fac- 
tion) had made many charges against his official career. In March, 1757, Hopkins 
issued a pamphlet defending the questioned acts of his administration, in the hope 
of eliciting a reply from the rival candidate for governor, William Greene. The 
cudgels were taken up by Ward, who published an answer in April that was felt to be 
a determining factor in securing Greene's triumph in May. Thereupon Hopkins 
brought an action for damages, as above stated, and hence Ward's petition. 



252 Correspondence of the 

May 7'? 1757. 
To the House of Mag"*.' 

Gen*. 

Resolved that this petition be referred to next 
Sessions of Assembly and that the adverse Party 
be served with a Copy of this Petition and cited to 
appear at next Sessions^ to answer the same and 
that all further Proceedings in the within mentioned 
Case be stayed till next Sessions of this Assembly 

Voted and past 

per OrdT J. Lyndon Cler 

Read the same Day in the Upper House and con- 
curred 

By Ordr Tho Ward Secretary 

A true Copy duly exam^ 

Witness Tho Ward Secretary 

Colony of Rhode Island and so forth. 

To the Sheriff of the County of Providence in said 

Colony or to his Deputy Greeting 

You are hereby required in the King's Name to 
serve the within named Stephen Hopkins with a 
Copy of Samuel Ward's Petition agst him with the 
Votes of the Upper House and the Lower House of 
the General Assembly thereupon as the same are 
copied upon the other Side [of the sheet] and above. 
You are also required to cite the s*? Stephen Hopkins 

1 The next sessions was in June, and the action of the Assembly upon Ward's 
petition, together with the agreement to transfer the case to the Massachusetts courts, 
is in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 68, 69. A verdict was given for the defendant. Hopkins 
appealed, and the case dragged on to September, 1759, when the suit was withdrawn, 
Hopkins paying costs. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 253 

to appear at the Gen! Assembly of the Colony afore- 
said to be holden at Newport on the Second Monday 
of June next to answer the said Petition if he shall 
see Cause. Hereof fail not but make Lawful Return 
of your Doings in the premises. 

Given under my Hand at Newport the Eleventh 
Day of May 1757 in the thirtieth Year of his 
Mag'ty's Reign 

Tho Ward Secretary 

Providence May 27. 1757 

Agreable To The Request above To me made I 
have Cited The Hon'." Stephen Hopkins To Appeare 
at The Time Appointed 

Allin Brown Sheriff. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 5 month or May 19'." 1757 

To the Gov"", and Company of the Colony of Rh^. 

Island &c 

My last to the Gov' of said Colony was of i^.* ult 
via Boston to which I refer, — The Parliam^ is now 
almost at the Conclusion of the Sessions which its 
thought will be about 28*!" Inst, and I dont remember 
any very material matter has been done therein re- 
lating to the Northern Colonies Saveing the Act for 
importing from our N? Plantations Bar Iron duty 
Free into any port of this Kingdom,^ and granting 

1 See Parliame7itary Register, III, 290, 291. 



254 Correspondence of the 

the King Supplies for the present Exegencies w'^'' are 
considerable. 

The War with France continues, but the Spaniards 
are Neuter Still: — Adm^ Holbourn w^*" 14 or 15 
Sail of M. of War of the Line sailed the 8'^ Inst from 
Cork for Halifax w*^ 55 Transport Ships, and since 
that we hear a Fleet of French M : of War Sailed 
from Brest for N? America the 3*^ Instant, so that its 
thought the latter have got the Start ; ^ all which 
probably ye may be advised of 'ere this reaches thy 
hands. There came advice yesterday that the King 
of Prusia had gained a victory in a late Battle with 
the Austrians, which doubtless will be a great morti- 
fication to the Empress Queen and to the French.^ 
for the rest I refer to the Magazine and News Papers 
now sent to Andr Oliver of Boston to be forwarded 
per a private hand of which I desire thy acceptance 
from 

Thy Friend 

R? Partridge 

Wheat holds up its price Still at about 8/ a bush^ 
and fine Flower 18 to 20/ a bbl they begin now to 
import wheat from the East Country. 

To The Governor and Company 

of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence 
Plantation 



1 Three French squadrons were sent to America with orders to rendezvous at 
Louisbourg. The greater part of these reached that harbor in July. Loudoun, with 
12,000 provincials, reached Hahfax June 30. Holboume and his fleet appeared by 
July 10. It was not until August 4 that the English learned that twentj--two French 
ships of the line were in Louisbourg harbor, and that the fortress was garrisoned by 
7000 men. Success was hopeless. Loudoun returned to New York. 

2 The battle of Prague, May 6. 



<r/. 



256 Correspondence of the 

some indulgencies such as Rum Molasses &c., I can- 
not help thinking that the neglect of supplying them 
therewith according to promise may occasion a dis- 
content amongst them, that may be attended with 
bad consequence, but shall leave it to your own 
judgement to determine, I am Sir with great regard 

your most obedient and most humble servant 

Dan. Webb 

W^ Green Esq! 



GENERAL WEBB TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

Fort Edward August 12'.'' 1757 

Sir 

as several of the men of each province are become 
Prisoners of War by the loss of Fort Will? Henry, 
and are under articles not to serve for the space of 
eighteen months, I must beg you will immediately 
on the receipt of this lay before the assembly of the 
Province the necessity of furnishing the number of 
men requisite for filling up the deficiencys in the 
forces first granted by the said Province as appears 
by the inclosed return ^ by Drafts from the Militia ; 
as the necessity of this demand will I flatter myself 
be sufficiently apparent to the gentlemen of the as- 
sembly, I make no doubt but it will be immediately 
comply'd with I am Sir 

with great regard your most obedient and most 
humble Servant 

Dan. Webb 

Governor Green 

1 See enclosure. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 257 



[Enclosure.] 

A Return of the present Strength of the Rhode Island Regiment Com- 
manded by Colonel Angell 

Fort Edward Aug'. 14'? 1757. 



OFFICERS PRESENT 


Effective rank 
AND file 


Commissioned 


Staff 


NON-COMMISSIONED 




I Colonel 
5 Captains 
9 Lieutenants 
5 Ensigns 


I Adjutant 


19 Sergeants 
9 Drummers 


265 fit for duty 
27 sick 
6 on furlough 
4 on command 




Total 317 


Since last Return 


Wanting to complete the 
Establishment 


8 died and missing 
6 deserted 


77 rank and file 



NB, the 6, Rank, and file, returnd upon Furlough, are 6, that are 
returnd from Fort W" Henry since the Capitulation, and are gone 
home. 

I of the 8 men return'd dead or missing, was at the Siege of Fort 
W" Henry and has not been heard of since. 

Dan. Webb Major General 



GOVERNOR POWNALL ^ TO SIR WILLIAM PEPPERELL. 

Boston Aug" 13 1757. 
I after 12 noon 

Sir, 

I have just now reciev'd Your Letter and the 
Packet You forwarded, I have sent the inclos'd 

1 Thomas Pownall, who succeeded Shirley as governor of Massachusetts. 
VOL. II. 



258 Correspondence of the 

orders ^ to all the Regim'^ that have Troops. I am 
endeavouring to form a Field Train. I send this by 
L* Col° Murray whom I must Recommend to Your 
Honour for his Services. He comes to assist you 
in the matter of Provisions. I must desire you will 
form a magazine at Springfield. If the Enemy 
should approach the Frontiers You will order all 
Waggons West of Connecticutt River to have their 
Wheels Knock'd and to Drive the said Country of 
all Horses, to order all Provisions that can be brought 
off and what cannot to destroy, and you will recieve 
this as my order not to Execute but in Such Case 
of necessity and then not to fail to do it. 

[No signature.] 

Endorsed : Govr Pownall's Letter to Sir W" Pep- 
perell L* General of the Province. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London Octo! 7'." 1757 
Gov''. Greene 

The last Letter I wrote directed to the Gov! and 
Comp^ of your Colony was of 7*? month or July the 
II* Since which I dont remember to have had any 
from Gov"" Hopkins. This may acquaint thee that 
notwithstanding all the Endeavours used to obtain 
the Stores for your Fortifications it has not produced 
the desired Effect ; inclosed is Copy of my Petition 

J The orders are printed in Col. Rec, of R. I., VI. 85. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 259 

to the King in Council ^ lodg'd about 2 months since 
at the Office of W"? Pitt Esqr lately appointed Sec"? 
of State to be laid before the King wherein I have 
had the assistance of Cap' Joseph Harrison, and be- 
sides he was so kind as to use his Interest with some 
eminent Persons about it, and I had him up with me 
to Rob^ Wood Esq^ head Sec"^ under the sf W'" Pitt 
at his Office to Speak to the Matters of my Petition 
which he did from his own knowledge, But Lord 
Halifax resigning his Office at the Board of Trade 
and the unsettled State of the Ministry for Some 
Time with other publick occurrances of great Im- 
portance were such Obstacles, that it seemd impos- 
sible to get forward in our Solicitation, and indeed 
I have been told as much or to that effect at the 
Sec""^ of States Office, but yet I intend to follow it 
still while there is any the least Prospect of Success. 
Lord Halifax who resigned his Place as first Com- 
missi of the Board of Trade as afores'^ is now rein- 
stated again so that its likely Business at the Planta- 
tion Office will be revived as heretofore w*"*" for some 
time has been at a Stand and the Ministry seems to 
be fixed as per my afores'^ Letter of 7 month the ii^*' 
Respecting other publick News the French con- 
tinue in Possession of the Electorate of Hannover 
still, and the Duke of Cumberland shortly expected 
home since the Neutrality or Convention has been 
agreed on between him and the French through the 
Mediation of the King of Denmark, but the Dukes 
whole Army consisting of 30. or 40000, Men are 
obliged not to Act in a Warlike Capacity (as it is 

1 See the following document. 



26o Correspondence of the 

reported) till April next.^ The King of Prussia has 
been hardly beset and embarrassed, but now we hear 
that the Russians Army^ under Prince Apraxin 
(who are Allies with the Austrians and French) are 
precipitantly retired and gone back again to their 
own Country leaving a large Number of their Sick 
and Wounded and 80 Cannon behind them, their 
Army its suppos'd are near 100,000, Men so that its 
likely the Prussians will now gain Ground again, 
there is an Express come last Night from the Eng- 
lish grand Fleet w'^^ sailed from Spithead about a 
Month past &c. 

11'." Ditto 

The foregoing is Copy of the substance of my last 
to thee per Cap* Partridge via Boston except that 
part of it relating to our Fleet of M. of War that 
went to make a Descent on the French Coast, the 
first acco' of it relating to their Success proved 
afterwards to be quite a Mistake, for that they are 
since all come back again and arrived mostly at 
Portsmouth having done no great Matters in that 
Expedition because of the insuperable difficulties that 
would have attended their Landing 

I am Thy assured Friend 

RiCH^ Partridge 

Since writing the foregoing I have drawn out my 
Acco' with your Colony being here inclosed to the 

1 This was the notorious Convention of Closterseven, which was concluded on Sep- 
tember S. Cumberland agreed to send home his somewhat motley collection of subsi- 
dized troops, and to leave Hanover in possession of the French. The old king never 
forgave him. 

2 A severe battle, on August 30, with the Prussian army led the Russian commander 
to retreat nearer to his bases of supplies. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 261 

1 7 of 8'!" month or Aug! 1 758. Balance thereon being 
;^i29 : 8 : 6 Sterl in my Favour, which although it is 
extended longer than the Time of my Salarys being 
due, yet considering it is War Time and so precari- 
ous that no part of the last ;!^ioo I drew on Gov' 
Hopkins for, is yet come into my hands and besides 
there will be still wanting Money for my Solicitations 
and not unlikely (for ought I know) but there will be 
occasion of Expence during next Sessions of Parlia- 
ment, tho' I charge nothing of that kind for last year 
— I have therefore presumed of this date to draw a 
Bill on thee of One Hundred Pounds Sterl^ at 40 
days Sight in favour of And' Oliver Esqf not doubting 
but the same will meet with due honour and be a fur- 
ther Encouragem* to your Agent in the transaction of 
the Colonys Affairs. So with due Respects to thy Self, 
the Council and House of Representatives I rest 
Thy and their assured Friend 

RiCH^ Partridge 

we have just now had advice from New York by 
the Packet Boat that Fort W"" and Henry is in pos- 
session of the French,^ and the Articles of Capitula- 
tion is also come over 

To William Greene Esq!" 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 



1 Montcalm took advantage of Loudoun's voyage to Halifax to plan an attack on 
the posts near Lake George. Fort William Henry was garrisoned by 2000 men under 
Colonel Monro, when Montcalm invested it with 11,000 French and Indians. After a 
six days' defence, hopeless from tlie outset, Monro surrendered, and was allowed to 
withdraw to Fort Edward under an escort of French troops. An account of the situa- 
tion at Fort Edward and of the so-called massacre of Fort William Henry is given in 
Captain Christie's letters to Governor Greene, in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 82-84, 86. 



262 Correspondence of the 

PETITION OF RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GEORGE 11.^ 

To George the 2'^ King of Great Britain &c in Coun- 
cil 

The Petition of R*' Partridge Agent for and by- 
direction of the Colony of Rhode Island, and Provi- 
dence Plantations in England. Humbly Sheweth 

That the Inhab*.^ of the Said Colony have at their 
own very great Expence considerably enlarged and 
added Several new and extensive Works to the For- 
tifications on Goat Island w*"** defends the Town, and 
Commands the Enterance into the Harbour of New- 
port, Yet notwithstanding all their Cost and Labour 
they find themselves quite exposed to any Attempts 
of the Enemy for want of Artillary to mount the new 
Works they have erected, all the serviceable Can- 
non they have at present being no more than Six 4 
Pounders and Eighteen 18 pounders w*"** with all the 
necessary Utensils were purchased at the Expence 
of the Colony. 

That all the other Harbours in North America 
where any considerable Town is scituated (as the 
Petitioner is informed) are either effectually secured 
from the approaches of large Ships by shallow Barrs, 
or the Navigation rendered extremely dangerous by 
Sands, Rocks, and intricate Channels so narrow as 
to be rendered impassible by Sinking Two or Three 
old Ships, in which Case a few Cannon properly dis- 
posed would be an effectual Defence : But the Har- 
bour of Newport (perhaps the finest in all America) 
has none of those Means of security ; The Entrance 

1 Enclosed in letter of October 7, 1757. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 263 

into it being deep enough from Side to Side, and 
almost everywhere within is so Steep and bold, that 
the largest Ships may anchor within 200 yards of the 
Shoar as will more fully appear by the annexed Sur- 
vey, consequently can have no other Security from 
the Attacks by Sea than strong substantial Fortifi- 
cations well provided w"* heavy Artillery, for want of 
which the Town of Newport containing near 7000 
Inhabitants w'^ a large Quantity of Shipping is at 
present liable to be destroyed by the Enemy even 
with so small a Force as 2 or 3 Forty Gun Ships, 
and as there is no doubt but the French are well ac- 
quainted with the present defenceless State, there is 
great Reason to fear Some Attempt will be made 
against it if permitted much longer to remain so. 

That in Case Rhode Island should happen to fall 
into the Hands of the French by being left thus de- 
fenceless they may easily fortify it in such a Manner 
as would render the Reduction of it extreme difficult 
if not impracticable, And the Scituation of it is sich 
that if possessed by an Enemy all Communication 
between the Eastern and Western Colonies would be 
intirely cut off; for as the River or Sound which 
divides it from the Continent is in many Places not 
quite half a mile over, Ruin and Desolation might 
from thence be carried into the very Heart of New 
Engl^ and whoever will consult a Map of the British 
Colonies will readily perceive that there is no Place 
in all respects more convenient for such a Purpose. 

That its well known that the Colony afores^ is 
extreamly obnoxious to the French, and much an 
Object of their Resentm! on acco' of the great Mis- 



264 Correspondence of the 

chief done to their Trade during the last War by the 
Rhf Island Privateers of which they fitted out more 
than any other of the Northern Colonys. 

That it is of the utmost Importance to all the 
British Colonys in America that the Harbour afores^ 
be effectually secured by a substantial and well pro- 
vided Fortification, a Plan and Profil whereof is here- 
unto annexed. 

That the Inhab'? of the s*^ Colony besides the great 
Expence they have been at in erecting the Fortifi- 
cations afores*^ have likewise contributed their full 
Quota in all the Expeditions and Levies that have 
lately been made, or are now making in New Engf 
for his Maj'^.^ Service which has involved the Colony 
in a very large Debt (as the PetT has been informed, 
So that they are utterly unable of themselves to do 
any thing more towards completing the sf Fortifica- 
tions and providing them with suitable Cannon. 

That the Pety is informed that a Representation 
of the State and Condition of the said Fortifications 
at Rh"^ Island has been made by the Lords of Trade 
to the King in Council and w'^'' now lays at the 
Counsil Office.^ 

Wherefore the Petitioner humbly prays that the said 
Representation of the Lords of Trade may be taken 
into consideration by the King in Council respecting 
the State and Condition of the afores'? Fortifications 
and a Grant made to the s'' Colony of Such a Quan- 
tity of heavy Artillary as may enable them to defend 
themselves ag" any Invasions or Assaults of his 
Maj*r Enemies : And if they are favourd with a Suf- 

1 See letter of May 7, 1756. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 265 

ficient Number of heavy Cannon and Shot only, the 
Pef is of Opinion that the said Colony would pay 
the Freight and provide Carriages, Powder and other 
necessarys at their own Expence 

all which is humbly submitted 

R P 

London 8'? month or Aug! 1757 



WILLIAM PITT TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF RHODE 

ISLAND.^ 

Whitehall, Dec! 30'.*" 1757. 
Gentlemen, 

His Majesty having nothing more at Heart, than 
to repair the Losses and Disappointments, of the last 
inactive, and unhappy Campaign ; and by the most 
vigorous and extensive Efforts, to avert, by the Bless- 
ing of God on His Arms, the Dangers impending 
on North America; And not doubting, but all His 
Faithfull and Brave Subjects there will chearfully 
co-operate with, and second, to the utmost, the large 
Expence and extraordinary Succours, supplied by this 
Kingdom, for their Preservation and Defence ; And 
His Majesty considering, that the several Provinces, 
in particular, from Proximity and accessibility of Sit- 
uation, more immediately obnoxious to the main 
Irruptions of the Enemy from Canada, are, of Them- 
selves, well able to furnish at least Twenty Thousand 
Men, to join a Body of The King's Forces for Invad- 
ing Canada, by the Way of Crown Point, and carry- 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 113. 



266 Correspondence of the 

ing War into the Heart of the Enemy's Possessions ; 
And His Majesty not judging it expedient to limit 
the zeal and Ardor of any of His Provinces, by mak- 
ing a Repartition of the Force to be raised by Each 
respectively, for this most important Service ; I 
am commanded to signify The King's Pleasure, that 
you do forthwith use your utmost Endeavours, and 
Influence, with the Council and Assembly of your 
Colony, to induce Them to raise, with all possible 
Dispatch, as large a Body of Men within your Col- 
ony, as the Number of Its Inhabitants may allow; 
and, forming the same into Regiments, as far as 
shall be found convenient, That you do direct them 
to hold Themselves in Readiness, as early as may be, 
to march to the Rendezvous at Albany, or such other 
Place as His Majesty's Commander in Chief in 
America shall appoint, in order to proceed, from 
thence, in Conjunction with a Body of The King's 
British Forces, and under the supreme Command of 
His Majesty's said Commander in Chief, in America, 
so as to be in a Situation to begin the Operations of 
the Campaign, by the First of May, if possible, or as 
soon after, as shall be any way practicable, by attempt- 
ing to make an Irruption into Canada, as above, by 
the Way of Crown Point, and, if found practicable, 
to attack either Montreal or Quebec, or Both of the 
said Places successively, with the whole Force in one 
Body, or at one and the same Time, by a Division 
of the Troops, into separate and distinct Operations, 
according as His Majesty's said Commander in Chief 
shall, from His Knowledge of the Countries thro' 
which the War is to be carried, and from emergent 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 267 

Circumstances, not to be known here, judge any of 
the said Attempts to be practicable. And the bet- 
ter to facilitate this important Service, The King is 
pleased to leave it to you, to issue Commissions to 
such Gentlemen of your Colony as you shall judge, 
from their Weight and Credit with the People, and 
their zeal for the publick Service, may best be dis- 
posed and enabled to quicken and effectuate the 
speedy Levying of the greatest Number of Men ; In 
the Disposition of which Commissions, I am per- 
suaded you will have nothing in View but the Good 
of the King's Service, and a due Subordination of 
the Whole, when joined to His Majesty's Com- 
mander in Chief ; And all OiHcers of the Provincial 
Forces, as high as Colonels inclusive, are to have 
Rank, according to their several respective Commis- 
sions, in like Manner as is already given, by His 
Majesty's Regulations, to the Captains of Provincial 
Troops in America. 

The King is further pleased to furnish all the Men, 
so raised as above, with Arms, Ammunition, and 
Tents, as well as to order Provisions to be issued 
to the same, by His Majesty's Commissaries, in the 
same Proportion and Manner as is done to the rest 
of the King's Forces : A sufficient Train of Artil- 
lery will also be provided, at His Majesty's Expence, 
for the Operations of the Campaign ; And the Ship 
that conveys this, carries Orders for timely providing, 
at The King's Charge, with the utmost Dilligence, 
and in an ample Manner, Boats, and Vessels, neces- 
sary for the Transportation of the Army on this 
Expedition. 



268 Correspondence of the 

The Whole, therefore, that His Majesty expects 
and requires from the several Provinces, is, the Levy- 
ing. Cloathing and Pay of the Men ; And on these 
Heads also, that no Encouragement may be wanting 
to this great and salutary Attempt, The King is 
further most Graciously pleased to permit me to 
acquaint You, that strong Recommendations will be 
made to Parliament in their Session next Year, to 
grant a proper Compensation for such Expences as 
above, according as the active Vigor and strenuous 
Efforts of the respective Provinces shall justly appear 
to merit. 

Altho' several Thousand Stands of Arms will be 
forthwith sent from England, to be distributed to the 
Troops, now directed to be raised, in the Northern 
and Southern Provinces; Yet, as it is hoped, that 
the Numbers of Men levyed in all Parts of America, 
may greatly exceed the Quantity of Arms that can 
at present be supplied from England ; It is His 
Majesty's Pleasure, that you do, with particular Dili- 
gence, immediately collect, and put into the best 
Condition, all the serviceable Arms that can be found 
within your Colony, in order that the same may be 
employed, as far as They will go, in this Exigency. 

I am further to inform You, that similar Orders 
are sent, by this Conveyance to Massachusetts Bay, 
New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York and New 
Jersey. 

The Southern Governments are also directed to 
raise Men in the same Manner, to be employed in 
such offensive Operations, as the Circumstances and 
Situation of the Enemy's Posts, in those Parts, may 






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270 Correspondence of the 



WILLIAM PITT TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF RHODE 

ISLAND.^ 

Whitehall 30'." December 1757. 
Gentlemen, 

The King having judged proper, that the Earl of 
Loudoun should return to England, And His Ma- 
jesty having been pleased to appoint Major General 
Abercromby to succeed His Lordship, as Commander 
in Chief of the King's Forces in North America, with 
the same Powers and Authorities ; I am commanded 
to signify to You His Majesty's Pleasure, That you 
do apply to, and correspond with, Major General 
Abercromby, on all Matters relating to the King's 
Service ; and that You do obey such Orders as You 
shall receive, from Him, in the same Manner as You 
were directed to do, with regard to the several former 
Commanders in Chief, in North America; And You 
will, from time to time, give M!" Abercromby, all the 
Assistance and Lights in your Power, in all Matters 
relative to the Command, with which the King has 
honored Him. 

And I am particularly to signify to You His Ma- 
jesty's Pleasure, that, in Case Major General Aber- 
cromby, or the Commander in Chief of His Majesty's 
Forces, shall, at any Time, apply to You to lay an 
Embargo on all Ships within your Colony, You do 
strictly comply wuth the said Request, for so long a 
Time, as the Commander in Chief shall desire. 

The King having resolved to send a considerable 
Squadron of Ships of War, the ensuing Year, to 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 115. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 271 

North America ; I am farther to signify to You His 
Majesty's Pleasure, that You do, from time to time, 
transmit to the Commander in Chief of the King's 
Ships in North America, all Intelligence, relative to 
his Department, in the same Manner, as You were 
directed to do, by my Letter of the 19^^ of last Feb- 
ruary,^ to Vice Admiral Holburn; And it is also the 
King's Pleasure, that You do, in any Application 
from the Commander in Chief of the King's Ships, 
use all legal Methods, to supply him with such a 
Number of Sailors and Workmen from your Colony, 
as He shall, at any Time, require, for His Majesty's 
Service. 

I am. Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient humble Servant. 

W. Pitt. 

The Govr and Company of Rhode Island. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE. 

London 3? month or Mar 4'.'' 1 758 
Gov''. Greene 

I wrote thee last of 7*^ and 11 Octo'" since which 
I have rec"^ none of thy Favours This may now in- 
form thee that I have lately been soliciting the Gov- 
ernment here in behalf of Connec^ for the Sum of 
^18315 lawful Money w*"** amounts to ^13700. Sterl 
and upwards for the Cost and Charges of Provisions, 
Amunition, Stores building Store houses and other 
Necessities for the Support of 2500 Men in the year 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 39. 2 See letter on p. 258. 



272 Correspondence of the 

1756 w"*' by a circular letter from H. Fox Esq!" (then 
Sec'^ of State) to the Gov^ of the Several Northern 
Colonies dat'' 13. March 1756 for which they expect 
to be reimbursed by the Crown founded on these 
words among others in the s^ Sec7 of States letter ^ 
viz " This Service will be the less burthensome to 
" them as the raising of the Men, their pay, Arms 
" and Cloathing will be all that will be required of 
" them (the Colonies) : Measures having been already 
" taken for laying up Magazines of Stores of all kinds 
" at the Sole Expence of the Crown " 

The above Sum mentioned is exclusive of the Sum 
of ^5043.15.6 lawful Money w'^'' the s'^ Colony rec*^ of 
Chr Kilby the Agent for the Crown at Philad^ This 
I thought proper to advise thee of that if yo^ Colony 
has any the like demand on the crown care may be 
taken to send over hither prop!" and authenticated 
acco*^ of it with a particuF Authority under the Gov" 
hand and Scale of the Colony to receive the Money 
and give a discharge for it and also a prop"" Affidav* 
under seal certifying what the Exch^ w"" Sterl Money 
was at, when it was advanced : there is no Body else 
making Applica" on the same footing except the 
Agent for the Massach'' which is for a larger Sum 
than I am soliciting for 

As for publick News I refer to the prints herewith 
sent and remain with Respects 

Thy assured Friend 

R? Partridge 

1 This letter is in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 485. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 273 



GOVERNOR HOPKINS ^ TO THE HOUSE OF DEPUTIES. 

To the House of Deputy s 

Gentlemen 

The season of the year is now Advancing, which 
may give our Enemies Oppertunity, to ravage our 
Coasts, or invade our Country: My Duty therefore, 
requires me to recomend to your Consideration the 
State, and Condition of the Fort ; and, make Such 
Additions, and reparations as may be necessary : pro- 
vide such Stores as are wanting : and so Many Men 
as, are Sufificient to render the Fort Defenceable. I 
must also recomend, to you, to Consider what is fit 
to be done with the Brigantine lately Built at Provi- 
dence, with intent to be improved for Guarding the 
Coasts of this Colony. 

Step Hopkins 

S? Kingston March 17. 1758. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London 5 month or May the 13"" 1758. 

To the Gov^. ajtd Co : of Rhode Island. 

My last to Govr Greene was of the 4'.'' 3^ month or 
March ^ per Cap! Rodman to w''!' I refer. Since w*'?' I 
reef from him a Vote of your Gen! Assembly w*^ a 
letter Signed by Stephen Hopkins, Esqf directing me 

1 Hopkins was chosen governor on March 13, in place of WilUam Greene, who had 
recently died. Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 123. For action of the Assembly on the sub- 
ject mentioned in his message, see Ibid., VI. 133. 

2 Not in the archives. 
VOL. II. 



2 74 Correspondence of the 

to make Application for a Judge for the Court of 
Vice Admiralty of a person that resides in the Col- 
ony, recomending Jn? Andrews Esqf as a Suitable 
Gent? for that purpose,^ and accordingly I have lately 
prepared a Petition to the Lords of the Admiralty 
to which I annexed the said Vote of Assembly, and 
letter and delivered it in to their Office, and shall 
endeavour to prosecute the same to Effect and ac- 
quaint you of the success in my next. 

The Parliam! have continued their Sessions hither 
tho only now that they are adjourn'^ for a few days, 
and it's probable will be prorogued in about 3 weeks 
Time, after granting near Ten Millions of Publick 
Supplies for the Curr* Year in prosecuting the War 
&c? which still continues with Vigour, there being at 
this Time a large Fleet of Men of War fitting out 
again for some secret Expedition,^ but Spain remains 
Newter hitherto, Tho [the] King of Prussia still 
Successfull, and our Ministry seem determin'd to 
Support him : Hannover is intirely evacuated by the 
French, tho the Hannoverians have been greatly 
distressed. 

The Parliam! are about continuing the Sugar and 
Molasses Act as heretofore, the old one I think ex- 
pires at the end of this Sessions and nothing else has 
passed therein, very Material relating to the Northern 
Colonies, as I remember — for the rest I refer to the 
Prints here inclosed, and remain with due Respects. 

Your assured Friend, 

R P 



1 See for vote of the Assembly, Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 107. 

2 A demonstration against the French coast was in hand. Pitt made several such 
attempts, which at least served to keep ships and soldiers employed in France. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Isla7id 275 

24'." Ditto 

The foregoing is Copy of my last to the Gov^ 
and Comp^ of yo^ Colony per the New York pacq*, 
and now I have the pleasure to acquaint thee that I 
have succeded in my Solicita" with the Lords of the 
Admiralty for appointing John Andrews Esq^ Judge 
of the Court of Vice Admiralty of Rh^ Island and 
Providence Plantations and herewith send thee a 
Copy of the Warr* for that purpose ^ signed by the 
said Lords of the Admiralty to Sf Tho^ Salusbury 
Judge of the Court of Admiralty here to cause the 
Commission to be made out accordingly with whom 
I have been already about it w*"'' I intend to hasten 
and when ready forward it per first suitable Oppor- 
tunity. I am with due Regards to the Gov' and 
Gen^ Assembly 

Their Assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

Warrant of the Lords of the Admiralty} 

By the Comm? for executing the Office of Lord High admiral 
of great Britain and Ireland &c 

Whereas Applica" has been made to us from the Gen' Assem- 
bly of the Govfand Comp* of the Colony of RhMsland and Provi- 
dence Planta? in N. Eng"? setting forth that there [is] no Judge of 
the Court of Vice Admiralty within that Colony but a Deputy, 
and he so much limited and controul'd by his Superior who lives 
out of the Governm* ^ that very great Damages, Delays, and Incon- 

1 See the following document. 2 Enclosed with letter of May 13, 1758. 

3 Boston, as the centre of commerce, was the seat of the Court of Admiralty for 
New England. See vote of the Assembly requesting Governor Hopkins to apply 
to the agent for the appointment of a judge of vice-admiralty "within and for the 
colony," and recommending Colonel John Andrews, who was appointed to command 
the regiment raised upon the news of the capitulation of Fort William Henry. This 
request was due to a memorial of the merchants of Providence setting forth the annoy- 
ances resulting from the necessity of adjudging prizes outside of Rhode Island. Col. 
Rec. of R. /., VI. 104, 107. 



276 Correspondence of the 

veniencies as well as extravagent Expences have accrued to the 
Persons concerned in Privateering and therefore desiring that 
some suitable Person be appointed Judge within and for that Col- 
ony : and their Request herein appearing to be reasonable, and 
they having recommended John Andrews Esqf of the s^ Colony a 
Gentleman of the Law and of a fair Character as a suitable Per- 
son for the said Employment 

These are therefore to direct and require you to cause Lett" 
Pattents to be forth with issued out of the high Court of Admi- 
ralty for John Andrews Esq^ to be Judge of the Admiralty Court 
of the Colony of Rh4 Island in the Room of Chambers Russell 
Esqf ^ accordingly in his Majestys Name in manner and form 
accustomed and to continue in force til further Order. 

You are to insert a Clause in the said Patent revoking so much 
of the Patent of Chambers Russell Esqfas appoints him Judge of 
the Vice Admiralty Court [of the] Colony of Rhode Island. For 
which this shall be your Warrant. Given under Our Hands, and 
the Seal of the Office of Admiralty the 12. of May 1758 

Anson 
Geo. Hay 
J. Forbes 
N. Stanley 
To Sr Thomas Salusbury 
Judge of the High Court of Admiralty 

By Command of their Lordships 

J. Clevland 
a True Copy 

Test RichP Partridge 

To Stephen Hopkins Esq' 

In Providence in the Colony of Rhode Island. 

1 Judge of Admiralty at Boston. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 277 

GOVERNOR HOPKINS TO GENERAL ABERCROMBY. 

Providence June 8'^ 1758 
Sir 

Your Excellencys Letter of the 8"* of May* came 
to my Hands and the Embargo in this Colony was 
taken of[f] on the 22^ agreeable to the directions 
therein contained, your Letter of the 13*.'' of May^ 
I also received and immediately issued orders for 
making the Men ready to Move forward and the 
greatest part of the Regiment are now Embarked 
and the remainder will very soon follow them. The 
Colony have furnished Five Hundred Arms for this 
Campaign being all that is possibly in their Power 
and for Arms for the remainder of the Regiment, as 
well as for Tents and other Field equipage for the 
whole, the Colony depends it will be furnished by 
the Crown agreeable to M' Secretary Pitts Letter to 
this Colony.* As this Colony have provided Billit- 
ing for the Troops they have raised since the Time 
of their inlistment, as well as furnished Provisions 
for Transporting them to Albany therefore hope to 
be reimbursed that expence agreeable to the agree- 
ment made with the Colony by the Earl of Loudoun 
for the Troops last year with the greatest Regard 
and Deference I am 

Your Excellencys Most Obedient and 

Most Humble Servant 

His Excellency Gen! Abercromby 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 150. 

2 See votes of Assembly upon the embargo, Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 135, 148. 
8 Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 150. 

* See Pitt's letter of December 30, 1757. 



2/8 Correspondence of the 

THE COMMITTEE OF WAR TO COLONEL HENRY BABCOCK.^ 

Newport June 19'? 1758 
Siry 

We have just received Advice that the Arms pro- 
mised by his Majesty to to furnish the American 
Troops are arrived, and we think that there will be 
no Occasion of those sent from this Colony, if this be 
so, then send by One of the Transports those Arms 
this Colony shipped on Board the Transports for the 
Use of the Forces ; As We are but poorly stocked 
in the Colony with military Stores. We are, Sir, 
Your Obed* hum'^ Serv'.' 

J Gardner 1 ^^^ 

Peter Bours j 

To Henry Babcock Esq 

Coll of the Rhode Island Regiment at Albany 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London 8 month or Aug'.' 28*? 1758. 
Gov"". Hopkins 

My last to thee was of 23^ 6 month or June last 
per the Boscawan Cap* Jacobson for Boston when I 
sent thee the Patent under the Seal of the Admi- 
ralty Office appointing John Andrews Esq^ Judge of 
the Court of Vice Admiralty of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations,^ of w".'' I also advised him 

1 Babcock was captain of one of the companies sent on the Crown Point expedition 
of 1755, lieutenant-colonel of the regiment raised to reinforce Webb after the loss of 
Fort William Henry, and also of that raised in the spring of 1758. 

2 See p. 275. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 2 79 

and of the Expence thereof, and hope the same is 
by this time got safe to hand, — since which I have 
rec^ none of thy Favours. 

As to pubhck News, The devastation of War still 
continues to rage in Germany between the King of 
Prussia and the Austrians ; and also between Prince 
Ferdinand w'!' the Hessians and Hannoverians with 
some British Forces from hence, and That of the 
French under Marshall Soubise ; The English Fleet 
under Comodore How, Bro!" to Lord How have 
continued their Invasions on the Coast of France, 
which has doubtless ben very distressing to that 
Nation ; ^ The People here have been very lavish in 
their Rejoycings for the taking of Louisbourg,^ but 
they have been damped since, by the acco' we have 
had of the Repulse Gen! Abercrombie met with at 
Ticonderoga,^ for the rest I refer to the News Paper 
here inclosed and the Magazine and other Papers 
sent thee per Cap' Ayres — inclosed to Andf Oliver 
Esq!" of Boston to forward. 

from Thy assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

To Stephen Hopkins Esq!" 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 

1 Howe's movements were intended to divert a part of the French forces from the 
scene of operations in Hanover. 

2 Louisbourg surrendered to the English under Amherst and Wolfe, backed by a 
fleet under Admiral Boscawen, on July 27, after a siege of seven weeks. 

3 Ticonderoga was attacked by Abercrombie with 15,000 men, on July 6. The first 
assault was successful, but an attempt made two days later to carry the works without 
waiting for the artillery was repulsed with fearful loss of life. On July 9 Abercrombie 
fell back to Fort William Henry, in a retreat which became a panic. He was super- 
seded by Amherst in September. See Colonel Babcock's letters to Hopkins of July 4 
and 10, in Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 163, 164. 



28o Cor7^espondence of the 



WILLIAM PITT TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF RHODE 

ISLAND.! 

Whitehall 9* Decern! 1758. 
Gentlemen 

His Majesty having nothing so much at Heart, 
as to improve the great and important advantages 
gained the last Campaign ; as well as to repair the 
disapointment at Tionderoge ; ^ and, by the most 
vigorous and extensive Efforts, to avert, by the Bless- 
ing of God on his Arms, all dangers, which may 
threaten North America from any future Irruptions 
of the French ; And the King not doubting, that all 
His faithful and Brave Subjects there, will chearfully 
Co-Operate with, and second to the utmost, the large 
Expence and extraordinary Succours, supplied by 
this Kingdom, for their Preservation and defence; 
And His Majesty considering, that the several Pro- 
vinces in Particular, from Proximity and Accessi- 
bility of Situation, more immediately Obnoxious to 
the main Irruptions of the Enemy from Canada, are, 
of themselves, well able to furnish, at least, Twenty 
Thousand Men, to join a Body of the Kings Forces, 
for invading Canada by the way of Crown Point, and 
carrying War into the Heart of the Enemy's Posses- 
sions ; And His Majesty not judging it expedient to 
limit the zeal and Ardour of any of His Provinces, 
by making a Repartition of the Force to be raised 
by Each respectively, for this most important Service; 
I am Commanded to Signify to you the Kings Plea- 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 178. 

2 See note to preceding letter. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 281 

sure, that you do forthwith Use your Utmost Endea- 
vours and Influence with the Council and Assembly 
of your Colony, to induce them to raise, with all pos- 
sible dispatch, within your Government, at least as 
large a Body of Men as they did for the last Cam- 
paign, and even as many more, as the Number of it's 
Inhabitants may allow ; and, forming the same into 
Regiments, as far as shall be found Convenient, that 
you do direct them to hold themselves in readiness, as 
early as may be, to march to the Rendezvous at Albany, 
or such other Place, as His Majesty's Commander in 
Chief in America shall Appoint, in Order to proceed 
from thence, in Conjunction with a Body of the King's 
British Forces, and under the Supreme Command of 
His Majesty's said Commander in Chief in America, 
so as to be in a situation, to begin the Operations of 
the Campaign, by the first of May, if possible, or as 
soon after, as shall be any way practicable, by attempt- 
ing to make an Irruption into Canada as above, by 
the way of Crown Point ; and, if found practicable, 
to Attack either Montreal, or Quebeck, or both of 
said Places, successively, with the whole Force in 
One Body, or at One and the same time, by a Divi- 
sion of the Troops into separate and distinct Opera- 
tions, according as His Majesty's Commander in 
Chief shall, from his knowledge of the Countries, 
through which the War is to be carryed, and from 
emergent Circumstances not to be known here, judge 
any of the said Attempts to be practicable ; And 
the better to facilitate this important Service, The 
King is pleased to Leave it to you, to Issue Com- 
missions to such Gentlemen of your Colony, as you 



282 Correspondence of the 

shall judge, from their Weight and Credit with the 
People, and their Zeal for the Publick Service, may 
be best disposed, and able, to quicken and effectuate 
the speedy Levying of the greatest Number of Men. 
In the disposition of which Commissions, I am per- 
suaded, you will have nothing in View, but the Good 
of the King's Service, and a due Subordination of 
the whole, when joined, to His Majesty's Commander 
in Chief; And all Officers of the Provincial Forces, 
as high as Colonels, inclusive, are to have Rank, 
according to their several respective Commissions, 
agreable to the Regulations, contained in His Ma- 
jesty's Warrant of the 30'.'' of December, last year. 

The King is further pleased to furnish all the 
Men, so raised as above, with Arms, Ammunition 
and Tents, as well as to order Provisions to be issued 
to the same, by His Majesty's Commissaries, in the 
same proportion and manner, as is done to the rest 
of the King's Forces. A sufficient Train of Artil- 
lery will also be provided, at His Majesty's Expence, 
for the Operations of the Campaign ; And the Ship, 
that Conveys this, carrys Orders for timely provid- 
ing, at the King's Charge, with the utmost diligence, 
and in an Ample manner. Boats and Vessells, neces- 
sary for the Transportation of the Army on this 
Expedition. The whole therefore, that His Majesty 
expects and requires from the several Provinces, is, 
the Levying, Cloathing, and Pay, of the Men ;* And, 
on these Heads also, that no Encouragement may 
be wanting to this great and salutary Attempt, the 

1 The Assembly met in February, 1759, and voted to raise one thousand men for 
the ensuing campaign. Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 181, 191. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 283 

King is further most graciously pleased to permit me 
to acquaint you, that strong Recommendations will 
be made to Parliament, in their Session, next year, 
to grant a proper Compensation for such Expences 
as above, according as the Active Vigour and strenu- 
ous Efforts of the respective Provinces shall justly 
appear to merit. 

It is His Majesty's Pleasure, that you do, with 
particular Diligence, immediately Collect, and put 
into the best Condition, all the Arms, issued last 
Campaign, which can be any ways rendered service- 
able, or that can be found within your Government, 
in Order that the same may be employ 'd, as far as 
they will go, in this Exigency. I am at the same 
time to acquaint you, that a reasonable Supply of 
Arms will be sent from England, to replace such, as 
may have been lost, or that become unfit for future 
Service. 

I am further to inform you, that similar Orders are 
sent by this Conveyance to Massachusetts Bay, New 
Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, and New Jer- 
sey; The Southern Governments are also directed 
to raise Men in the same manner ; to be employed in 
such Offensive Operations, as the Circumstances and 
Situation of the Enemy's Posts in those Parts, may 
point Out, which, it is hoped, will Oblige them so 
to divide their Attention and Forces, as will render 
the several Attempts more easy and successfull. 

It is unnecessary to add any thing, to animate 
your Zeal, in the execution of His Majesty's Orders, 
on this great Occasion, where the future Safety and 
Welfare of America are at Stake; and the King 



284 Correspondence of the 

doubts not, from your known fidelity and attachment, 
that You will Employ yourself, with the utmost 
Application and dispatch, in this urgent and decisive 
Crisis. 

Altho' the knowledge of an Intention to invade 
Canada is apprehended, not only to be unattended 
with any inconvenience, but necessary to be propa- 
gated in the Provinces, in order to give success to 
the Levies ; Yet, as Secresy in all Enterprizes on 
particular places, is of the greatest Importance, The 
King is persuaded, that you will Use all proper 
discretion in communicating, by Name, any of the 
immediate Objects before pointed Out, further than 
to such Persons, to whom it may be necessary, for 
the good of the Service, Confidentially to Entrust 
the same. 

I am Gentlemen 

Your most obedient humble Servant, 

W. Pitt 

Governor and Company of Rhode Island. 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London i°.' month or Jan7 31°.' 1759. 

To the Gov^ ana Comp". of Rhode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations 

My last to GovT Hopkins was of 1 2'^ Dec!" of the 
Sea Horse Man of War, to w'=^ I refer having since 
reef none of his favours, this now brings my acco 
with your Colony the Ball, thereof being ^99.8.6. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 285 

and of this date I have presumed to draw a Bill of 
^100. Sterl. at 40. days Sight payable to the Order of 
Andr Oliver which you will please to honour accord- 
ingly. 

Several of the Agents of the of the N? Colonies 
are about Soliciting the Ministry for som Compensa- 
tion for the Expence incurr'd for the Troops raised 
last year agreeable to the assurances given by the 
Sec7 of State that the King woud make strong 
Representations to Parliament for it ; ^ I intend to 
Solicit also in behalf of your Colony in the best 
manner I can, tho' there shoud have been sent over 
Acco** of the Expence duly Authenticated, and how 
many of the 1000 Men your Colony agreed at first 
to raise did actually march. 

What proportion of the Expence will be allowed 
we know not yet, or whether it will be done this 
Sessions, unless the Acco? come over in time, but 
yet it is intended to have the Matter push'd for- 
ward. I am with due Respects to your Selves and 
the Gent? of the House of Representatives. 
Your assured Friend 

Rich? Partridge 

To The Governor and Company of the Colony of 
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 

1 See Pitt's letter of December 30, 1757. 



286 Correspondence of the 



RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

London 3d Mo. or March i'.' 1759. 
Gent. 

My last to You was of the 31'.' of i'.' Mo/ or Jan7 
last which I Expect you will Receive before this. 
My Principal View in Writing to you now is to In- 
form You that I have been confined near a Fortnight 
with a severe fitt of the Gravel so that I am under 
some Apprehension least this Illness sho^ carry me 
to my Grave the Consideration of which and my 
advanced Age has made me thoughtfull about the 
Affairs of the several Colonies which I have the 
Honour to represent 

I have for some time past had the Assistance of 
one of our Friends in Conducting and Transacting 
my Agency Affairs and have found him Capable and 
Attentive to Business and careful! to Discharge his 
Duty with Fidelity and application I have Appointed 
him one of my Executors when it shall please Divine 
Providence to Remove me, Permitt me also to pro- 
pose him to You as a proper person to Succeed me 
in the Office of Agent for your Colony and if he 
meets with your Approbation am well perswaded his 
knowledge in Business his prudent Conduct and Dil- 
igent application will give you ample Satisfaction. 
His Direction is Joseph Sherwood Attorney at Law 
in Austin-Fryers near the Royal Exchange London. 
If it please the Almighty to Favour me with the 
Restoration of my Health I shall continue my Care 

1 See the preceding letter. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 287 

and Paines in your Affairs. I am Gentlemen with 
due respects. 

Yf Assured Frf 

RicH^ Partridge. 

To The GovT and Company of the Colony of Rhode- 
Island and Providence Plantations. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD 1 TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF 
RHODE ISLAND. 

GenV^ 

The other side is a Copy of a Letter from Richard 
Partridge sent per the Sherborn Capt° Calef, at that 
Time he did not think himself so near his Dissolu- 
tion as he really was (he dying on the 5*1" Instant) 
but being dubious of his Recovery he Directed that 
Letter to be wrote and sent to You and Subscribed 
it with his own hand. 

He requested me a considerable time before his 
Illness to stand one of his Executors, and as I was 
Conversant with his Business and Assistant to him 
therein Occasionally, I take the Liberty of Offering 
my Services to you Gent? to succeed him as your 
Agent and if you shall please to confer that Honour 
on me I shall Endeavour to Meritt your Favour and 
Discharge my Duty with application and Fidelity.^ 

I have not yet had time or Opportunity to Meth- 

1 Sherwood was, like Partridge, a member of the Society of Friends. He acted as 
agent for Rhode Island until his death, in 1772, and was agent for New Jersey from 
1 761 to 1766. 

2 See Letter of Agency to Sherwood, of November i, 1759 ; and votes of the Assem- 
bly in Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 224, 226. 



288 Correspondence of the 

odize and peruse his Papers with Attention and con- 
sequently am not able to write so fully on your 
Affairs as I could wish but Intend to take the Lib- 
erty of troubling you with another Letter shortly. I 
am Gentlemen with great respect 

Y\ Assured Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

Austin-Fryers. 

17*1' 3* Mo. or March 1759 

I have been forced to hurry over the above as the 
New-York Pacquett is made up this Evening and I 
was not willing to miss this Opportunity. 

Govy and Company of the Colony of Rhode- Island 
and Providence Plantations. 



GOVERNOR HOPKINS TO THE HOUSE OF DEPUTIES. 

As the Season of the Year is Approaching when 
we have reason to fear being Visited by our Ene- 
mies I therefore, recomend to you, to take Such 
Proper Measures, as You may think Necessary for 
putting the Colony in a proper Posture of Defence ; 
and, for Providing Such Warlike Stores for the Fort 
as may be Wanting : and, so many Men to be placed 
there as are Needfull for rendering the same as Use- 
full as may be.^ 

Step Hopkins 

Newport May 4"" 1759 

To the House of Deputys 

1 See vote of the Assembly, Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 208. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 289 

JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Gov". Hopkins Respl Fr^ 

Before the Receipt of this thou wilt doubtless hear 
of the Decease of our Esteemed Frf Rich^ Partridofe 
and that he Appointed me one of his Executors. 

I received thy Letter respecting the Appointment 
of Officers of the Court of Vice-Admiralty in your 
Colony and also the Letters and Accounts relating 
to your Disbursements and considering that no time 
was to be lost in these Affairs I Immediately pre- 
ferred my Petition to the Lords of the Admiralty a 
Copy of which is annexed, and also delivered the 
Acco'.^ with a further or additional Memorial to the 
Lords of the Treasury, R. Partridge having Exhib- 
itted one on y!" behalf just before his Decease, In re- 
gard to the first Affair I have not yet got the Peti- 
tion answered, but fear it sticks on Account of my 
not being cloathed with the Authority of an Agent, 
as for the latter a Message was bro* into the House 
of Commons from the King on the 26*^ ult was read 
by the Speaker and is as follows. 

George R. 

" His Majesty being sensible of the Zeal and 
" Vigour with which his Faithfull Subjects in North 
" America, have Exerted themselves in Defence of 
" his Majesty's just rights and Posessions Recom- 
" mends it to this House to take the same into their 
** Consideration, and Enable his Majesty to give them 
" a proper compensation for the Expences incurred 
" by the respective Provinces in the Levying Cloath- 

VOL. II, 



290 Correspondence of the 

" ing and Pay of the Troops raised by the same Ac- 
*• cording to the Active Vigour and strenous Efforts 
" of the respective Provinces shall justly Appear to 
" Meritt. Ordered Nem : Con : 

" That his Majesty's most gracious Message be 
" referred to the Consideration of the Committee of 
" the whole House to whom it is referred to Consider 
*' further of the Supply granted to his Majesty. 

And on the 30*^ of same Month the said Com- 
mittee br* in the following Resolution. 

*' Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Com- 
" mittee that a Sum not Exceeding Two Hundred 
" Thousand Pounds be granted to his Majesty upon 
" Account to Enable his Majesty to give a proper 
" Compensation to the respective Provinces in North 
" America for the Expences incurred by them on the 
" Levying Cloathing and Pay of the Troops raised 
" by the same according as the Active Vigour and 
" Strenous Efforts of the respective Provinces shall 
" be thought by his Majesty to Meritt " 

The said Resolution being twice read was Agreed 
to by the House. 

In what manner the above is to be divided will be 
the Subject of future Consideration. I shall Use the 
utmost Diligence for the Benefit of your Colony, in 
every respect, that no Inconvenience may Arise from 
the Sudden Decease of your Agent I hope I shall 
be able to Meritt the favourable Regard of the 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 291 

Gentlemen of the General Assembly and am with 

due respects to them and thyself their and 

Thy Ass? Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 
Austin-Fryers near the Exchange. 

5* Mo. or May ii*!" 1759. 

A Message has been sent from the Ministry to the 
Treasury Recommending the Distribution of the 
above to that Board. 

To the Lords Comm^'f of the Admiralty. 

The Petition of Joseph Sherwood on the behalf of 
the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Planta- 
tions in America. Humbly Sheweth. 

That near a Twelve month ago a Commission 
Issued from the High Court of Admiralty Appoint- 
ing John Andrews Esq^ Judge of the Court of Vice- 
Admiralty for the said Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations/ 

That your Petitioner hath lately received from 
Stephen Hopkins Esql" the Governour of the s? Col- 
ony a Vote of the General Assembly there and a 
Letter representing that there is a Deficiency of Offi- 
cers in the said Court of Vice Admiralty there being 
neither Register nor Marshall of the same Court Ex- 
cept a Deputy Register Appointed by a Principal 
living at a great Distance from the said Colony and 
that great Mischiefs and Inconveniences are likely to 
Attend the Want of such Officers and also Recom- 
mending Tho? Vernon Esq^ for the Office of Register 
and Cap! William Mumford for the Office of Marshall 

1 See warrant on p. 275. 



292 Correspondence of the 

they being Persons of unblemished Characters and 
Suitable to those Offices as sett forth in the said 
Vote of the General Assembly* and Letter hereunto 
annexed. That the said Letter and Vote came Di- 
rected to Rich*^ Partridge the Agent for the said 
Colony, who is lately deceased having Appointed yf 
Petitioner his Executor and Left to him the Care of 
his Business. 

Wherefore yT Petf humbly prays that you wo** be 
pleased to Appoint and Commissionate the said 
Thomas Vernon to be Register and the said William 
Mumford to be Marshall of the Court of Vice-Admi- 
ralty of the said Colony of Rhode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations accordingly 

Which is humbly Submitted 

Joseph Sherwood 

To Stephen Hopkins Esqf 

Gov' of the Colony of Rhode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations 
in America 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS, 

14'.'' 7 Mo. or July 1759. 

Resp"^. Fr^ Gov". Hopkins. 

My last to thee was per the New York Pacquett and 
Duplicate per the London Capt? Finglass. Since 
which Viz* on the 2o'^ Ult. the Lords of the Treasury 
Gave Audience to the several Agents for the North- 

1 See vote of the Assembly, Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 174. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 293 

ern Colonies in respect to the Meritt and Active 
Vigour of each where I Attended on behalf of your 
Colony (having first laid a proper Memorial before 
them as mentioned in my last) They were averse 
to taking Notice of any thing but the Expences of 
1758 altho' the Mem^? of some other Colonies as well 
as yours pressed for a Compensation for the preceed- 
ing Years, But the Lords alleged they were con- 
fined to the last Year only. 

The Allotment to each Colony is not yet known 
but I don't doubt your Colony will fare as well as 
the Rest and have it's due proportion. 

It is thought the money may be ready some time 
in September but they seem to determine to pay it 
to none but some person Authorized by the Govern- 
our Council and Assembly of the several Provinces 
to Receive the same, tis therefore Incumbent on you 
Immediately to send an Authority for that purpose.^ 

Gen! Winslow made a Demand on Connecticut 
New-York and Rhode Island which is thought will 
be allowed him. 

As to the Affair of the Court of Vice Admiralty, 
it Remains as before the Lords not having Answered 
my Petition owing as I beleive to the Reason given 
in my last. Admiral Rodney is just returned from 
an Expedition to Havre de Grace, where he de- 
stroyed some flatt Bottomed Boats and damaged the 
Town by Fire, But it Appears he has not done the 
French so much Mischief as was at first Expected 
and Reported ^ I am with due respect to thy self 

1 See vote of the Assembly authorizing Sherwood to act as agent, Col. Rec. of R. /., 
VI. 226. 

2 Boats and munitions of war were being collected at Havre, it was supposed for an 



294 Correspondence of the 

and the Gent? of the Gen? Assembly Their and thy 
Ass^ Fr? 

Joseph Sherwood. 

Austin-Fryers, 

Great talk of a French Invasion. 

To Stephen Hopkins Esq!" 

Govr of the Colony of Rhode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations 
in America. 



LETTER OF AGENCY FROM RHODE ISLAND TO JOSEPH 
SHERWOOD. 

Whereas the General Assembly of the English 
Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 
in New England in America at their Session held at 
East Greenwich on the Twentieth Day of August 
in the thirty third Year of the Reign of His most 
Sacred Majesty George the Second by the Grace 
of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland 
Defender of the Faith and soforth did Nominate, 
Choose and Appoint Joseph Sherwood of the Parish 

of in the City of London Gentleman to be 

Agent and Attorney for the said Colony at in and 
throughout the Kingdom of Great Britain and did 
further order and direct the Governor of the said Col- 
ony for the Time being to make and Send to the said 
Joseph Sherwood in the Name and Behalf of the said 
Colony such proper and authentic Powers of Attor- 

invasion of England. These were destroyed, and the operations of the French coast- 
ers were restricted. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 295 

ney and Agency as may enable him to transact per- 
form and finish all such Businesses of the said Colony 
as may be committed to him. 

Now be it known unto all whom it may concern 
that I Stephen Hopkins Esquire Governor Captain 
General and Commander in Chief in and over the 
English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence 
Plantations in New England in America have Con- 
stituted Ordained and Appointed and by these Pre- 
sents do in the Name and Behalf of the said Colony 
Constitute Ordain and Appoint the aforesaid Joseph 
Sherwood to be my true and lawful Agent and At- 
torney in my said Public Capacity and for and in the 
Name and Behalf of the said Colony to appear for 
act do transact and furnish all and every Suit and 
Business of the Colony aforesaid at the Court of His 
aforesaid Majesty and before the Parliament of Great 
Britain and any other of His said Majesty's Councils 
Courts and Boards of Business within the said King- 
dom and in the Name and Behalf of the said Colony 
and to the proper Use and Benefit thereof to receive 
any Sum and Sums of Money that may be given or 
granted or any otherwise be due and belonging to 
the said Colony by or within the said Kingdom of 
Great Britain and proper Receipts Acquittances and 
Discharges to make and give for and in the Name 
of the said Colony for any and all Sum and Sums of 
Money so received And in general to begin prose- 
cute and finish every other Matter and Thing needful 
to be done for and in Behalf of the said Colony at 
and within the said Kingdom of Great Britain Giving 
and by these Presents granting to the said Joseph 



296 Correspondence of the 

Sherwood the full Power and Authority of the Colony 
aforesaid so far as is needful for the carrying on and 
accomplishing the whole Business before-mentioned 
or intended Hereby promising in the Name and be- 
half of the said Colony of Rhode Island that all and 
whatsoever the said Joseph Sherwood shall lawfully 
do or cause to be done in and about the Premises 
shall be binding upon and forever held firm and valid 
by the said Colony. 

In Witness whereof I the said Stephen Hopkins 
as Governor as aforesaid have hereunto Set my Hand 
and caused the Seal of the said Colony to be affixed 
at Rhode Island the Day of in the Thirty 

third Year of His said Majesty's Reign And in the 
Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred 
and Fifty nine. 

Daniel Jencks | ^^^ 

Peter Bours j 

November the 1°.' 1759 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS, 

Resp'^ Fr^ 

After long Expectation of an Answer to my Let- 
ters wrote thee I at length received thy agreeable 
Favour of 20^** Septi^ Accompanyed with the Vote of 
Assembly and Letter of Attorney ^ which Appear 
Sufficient for the Purpose intended. 

The Assembly havin'g been Pleased to Conferr on 
me the Honour of their Agency I shall Manifest my 

1 See the preceding document. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 297 

grateful Sence of that Favour by a Diligent and 
Faithfull Application to the Discharge of the Trust 
reposed in me, and hope my Endeavours will Give 
Satisfaction and Reflect Credit on the Memory of 
your late Worthy Agent in Answering the Character 
he was pleased to Give me. 

The Lords of the Treasury have Allotted the sum 
of Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety Eight 
Pounds as your Colony's proportion of the Money 
granted last Sessions out of which there will be a 
Deduction of ^139.5.8^ which sum is allowed by 
them to Gen! Winslow that being the manner in 
which they have thought proper to Reward his Ser- 
vices. I understand he has upwards of ^600 from 
the Colony of Connecticut. The Warrants for this 
money now lay before the King and I Expect will 
very soon be received by as many of the Agents as 
are properly Authorized. I shall Observe the In- 
structions expressed in thy Letter respecting the 
Disposition of your Money as soon as I have received 
it which LDaily Expect. 

In respect to the Accounts I received of your Dis- 
bursements in 1756 I apprehend you are not the 
only Colony who missed of that Bounty which Was 
received by Massachusetts and Connecticut^ and tho' 
there was something dropped by the Lords which 
was a reasonable Foundation for the Observation in 
my Letter of the I4'^ (7'!' Mo.) July that the Lords 
Confined themselves to the Year 1758 Yet from what 



1 The accounts of Rhode Island were not sent to England in season. Sherwood 
petitioned in March, 1760, for £4212, and his efforts to obtain it extend over fifteen 
years, but the account was never allowed. 



298 Correspondence of the 

has since Occurred it Appears to me this money is 
Intended as a full Compensation for all the Expences 
of the several Colonies accrued at that Time. Be 
that as it may I think it highly Improper to stir in 
that Affair till we have received the above sum (the 
Lords are so averse to further Applications that their 
Secretarys will not yet Inform the Agents what Sums 
are allotted to the other Colonies least the knowledge 
of that should produce fresh Solicitations). If I find 
afterward that tis Expedient and proper to make use 
of that Acco' I shall in that as in every other Affair 
have the Interest of the Colony at heart. 

The application respecting the Register and Mar- 
shall of your Court of Vice-Admiralty shall be per- 
sued. 

The sum Allotted to New-Jersey is ^9166. 

This Sessions of Parliament was opened the 13*!* 
ult with a speech from the King by Comm? (of 
which the Prince of Wales was Chief) nothing Ex- 
traordinary has hitherto Occurred therein nor doth 
there Appear any thing likely to be moved which 
may Affect your Colony or Abridge your Rights and 
Priviledges I shall keep a Diligent Watch and if 
there should will Endeavour to prevent and Give 
you Notice. 

There is no material Alteration among the People 
at the Helm of Affairs here. 

Our Publick Funds are considerably raised by the 
Repeated Accounts of the Success of our Arms the 
last being the Defeat of the French-Fleet ^ a partic- 
ular Acco! of which Suppose will Appear in the Pub- 

1 Doubtless the battle of Quiberon Bay, in November, 1 759. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 299 

lick Papers. I am with great respect to the Gent? 
of the Gen! Assembly and thyself 

Their and thy Ass^ and Obliged Fr"? 

Joseph Sherwood. 

3? Dec! 1759. 
Austin-Fryers. 

To Stephen Hopkins Esq" 

Govi^ of the Colony of Rhode-Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations in America. 



WILLIAM PITT TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF RHODE 

ISLAND,^ 

Whitehall Jan? 7'." 1760. 
Gentlemen, 

His Majesty having nothing so much at Heart, 
as to improve the great and important Advantages, 
gained the last Campaign in North America ; ^ and 
not doubting that all His Faithfull and Brave Sub- 
jects there will continue most chearf ully to cooperate 
with, and second to the utmost, the large Expence 
and extraordinary Succours, supplied by this King- 
dom, for their Preservation, and future Security, by 
compleating the Reduction of all Canada; And His 
Majesty not judging it expedient to limit the Zeal 
and Ardor of any of His Provinces, by making a 
Repartition of the Force, to be raised by Each, re- 
spectively, for this most important Service; I am 
commanded to signify to You the King's Pleasure, 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 234. 

3 Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Niagara, and Quebec had been captured. 



300 Correspondence of the 

that You do forthwith use Your utmost Endeavours 
and Influence, with the Council and Assembly of 
Your Province, to induce them to raise, with all pos- 
sible Dispatch, within Your Government, at least as 
large a Body of Men, as they did for the last Cam- 
paign, and even as many more as the Number of Its 
Inhabitants may allow; and, forming the same into 
Regiments, as far as shall be found convenient, that 
You do direct them to hold themselves in readiness, 
as early as may be, to march to the Rendezvous, at 
Albany, or such other Place, as His Majesty's Com- 
mander in Chief, in America shall appoint, in order 
to proceed from thence, in Conjunction with a Body 
of the King's British Forces, and under the supreme 
Command of His Majesty's said Commander in Chief 
in America, so as to be in a Situation to begin the 
Operations of the Campaign by the First of May, if 
possible ; or as soon after as shall be any way practi- 
cable, by an Irruption into Canada, in order to reduce 
Montreal, and all other Posts belonging to the French 
in those Parts, and farther to annoy the Enemy in 
such Manner as His Majesty's Commander in Chief 
shall, from his Knowledge of the Countries, thro' 
which the War is to be carried, and from emergent 
Circumstances not to be known here, judge to be 
practicable ; And the better to facilitate this impor- 
tant Service, The King is pleased to leave it to You 
to issue Commissions to such Gentlemen of Your 
Province, as You shall judge, from their Weight and 
Credit with the People, and their Zeal for the Pub- 
lick Service, may be best disposed and able to quicken 
and effectuate the speedy Levying of the greatest 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 301 

Number of Men ; in the Disposition of which Com- 
missions, I am persuaded You will have nothing in 
View, but the Good of the King's Service, and a due 
Subordination of the whole, when joined, to His Ma- 
jesty's Commander in Chief; And all Officers of the 
Provincial Forces, as high as Colonels, inclusive, are 
to have Rank, according to their several respective 
Commissions, agreable to the Regulations contained 
in His Majesty's Warrant of the 3o'^ of Dec!" 1757. 

The King is further pleased to furnish all the 
Men, so raised as above, with Arms, Ammunition 
and Tents, as well as to order Provisions to be 
issued to the same, by His Majesty's Commisaries, 
in the same Proportion and Manner as is done to 
the rest of the King's Forces. A sufficient Train 
of Artillery will also be provided, at His Majesty's 
Expence, for the Operations of the Campaign ; And 
the Ship, that conveys this, carries Orders for Timely 
providing, at the King's Charge, with the utmost Dil- 
igence, and in an Ample Manner, Boats and Ves- 
sels, necessary for the Transportation of the Army, 
on this Expedition. 

The whole therefore, that His Majesty expects 
and requires from the several Provinces, is, the Levy- 
ing, Cloathing and Pay of the Men : and on these 
Heads also, that no Encouragement may be want- 
ing to this great and salutary Attempt, The King 
is further most graciously pleased to permit me to 
acquaint You, that strong Recommendations will be 
made to Parliament, at their Session next Year, to 
grant a proper Compensation for such Expences as 



302 Correspondence of the 

above, according to the Active Vigour, and stren- 
uous Efforts of the respective Provinces shall justly 
appear to merit. 

It is His Majesty's Pleasure, that You do, with 
particular Diligence, immediately collect, and put 
into the best Condition, all the Arms issued last 
Campaign, which can be any ways rendered Service- 
able, or that can be found within Your Gouvernment, 
in order that the same may be employed, as far as 
they will go, in this Exigency. I am at the same 
Time to acquaint You, that a reasonable Supply of 
Arms will be sent from England, to replace such, as 
may have been lost, or have become unfit for future 
Service. 

I am further to inform You, that similar Orders 
are sent by this Conveyance, to New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, New York and 
New Jersey : The Southern Gouvernments are also 
directed to raise Men in the same Manner, to be 
employed in such Offensive Operations, as the Cir- 
cumstances and Situation of the Enemy's Posts in 
those Parts may point out, which, it is hoped, will 
oblige them so to divide their Attention and Forces, 
as may render the several Attempts more easy and 
successfull. 

It is unnecessary to add any Thing to animate 
Your Zeal in the Execution of His Majesty's Orders 
on this great Occasion, where the future Safety and 
Welfare of America are so nearly concerned ; And 
the King doubts not, from Your known Fidelity 
and Attachmant, that You will employ Yourself, with 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 303 

the utmost Application and Dispatch, in this promis- 
ing and decisive Crisis.^ 

I am, with great Truth and Regard, Gentlemen, 
Your most obedient humble Servant 

W. Pitt 

Gov' and Company of Rhode Island. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Gent. 

My last was to Gov!: Hopkins dated the 3^ Ult'^ 
per the Friendship Crane and Dup : per the New 
York Pacquett. 

From that time till now I have been very Assidu- 
ous in pushing forward the Payment of your money 
as menf^ therein but we were about a Month ago 
plainly told by the Secretarys of the Treasury that 
they have not money wherewith to pay us but Pro- 
posed to open a Loan at the Exchequer to which the 
several Agents might if they thought proper Sub- 
scribe the several sums Allotted to their respective 
Colonies, and by that means Draw an Interest on the 
Principal Sum which they told us wo^ be undoubtedly 
paid about the Beginning of April next Interest and 
all and unless we Embraced this Proposal We must 
Wait that Time before We could Receive our money 
and then without Interest. 



1 The Assembly again voted to raise one thousand men. See Col. Rec. of R. /., 
VI. 239. 

2 See p. 296. 



304 Corresp07idence of the 

The Agent for Connecticut readily accepted this 
and several of the other Agents Endeavoured to pay 
in theirs but were prevented by the Want of Suffi- 
cient Authorities from their Respective Colonies. 
. I declined accepting this Proposal untill I had 
with Diligence and Application made myself fullye 
Master of the Affair and taken the best advice 
thereon when thinking it most beneficial to the 
Colony to Accept it and Especially as there was no 
other way of coming at the money, I Entred your 
money also. We are to be paid out of the first 
money arising from the Sinking Fund with Interest 
at four Per Cent and have Strong Assurances of Re- 
ceiving it the beginning of April. 

New-York and New- Hampshire have not received 
any Compensation for their Expences in 1756 but I 
shall make the proper Use of the Accounts sent me 
in the next Solicitation on the behalf of the Colony 
which I am now about to Commence.^ 

The Application for a Register and Marshall of 
your Court of Vice Admiralty ^ I have persued with 
Industry and Zeal but have not obtained a final 
Answer. 

The Parliament is now sitting nothing Occurs 
therein relating to the Colonies. We have no Ex- 
pectations of a Peace this Year very large Sums 
beinor voted for Prosecuting: the Warr with the 
Utmost Vigour. 

Please to Transmitt me with all possible Expedi- 
tion an Account of the Number of Men you sent into 
the Field last Year and the Expence of their Levy- 

1 See note to letter of December 3, 1759. 3 Seep. 291. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 305 

ing Cloathing and Pay/ I don't mean so Exact and 
Minute as your last but General Information to my- 
self that I may be Enabled to Answer any Questions 
put to me in that respect I am Gent with all due 
respect 

Yy Ass^ and Obliged Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood. 
Austin-fryers 31'.' Jan7 1760. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Gent. 

By my Letters to you of 31?' i!* Mo. or Jan7 last^ 
per the FrfShip Crane and the New- York Pacquett 
I Informed that I had Invested your share of the 
Money in such manner that it wof carry Interest 
from the time therein m.enf? an Advantage which 
several of the other Colonies wo*? gladly Embrace 
but are Deprived of for want of SufHcient Authorities 
to their Agents for receiving the same. I have got 
the Exchequer Tallys and Orders and as soon as the 
money is received it shall be Disposed according to 
the Directions sent me. 

And now these may Inform you That I have lately 
Lodged with the Secretary of State a Petition to his 
Majesty on behalf of your Colony for Reinburse- 
ment of the ;!^42i 1.19.7^ Expended in the year 1756 
in Provisions Artillery Stores Transportation &c. on 
the Crown Point Expedition and this Sollicitation 

1 See vote of Assembly of June, 1760, in Col, Rec. of R. /., VI. 254. 

2 See preceding letter. 
VOL. 11. 



3o6 Corresp07zdence of the 

shall be persued with all possible Assiduity and 
Diligence.^ 

I sho*^ have been pleased to have received from 
you an Account of your Last Year's operations as 
menf^ in my Last.^ The Agents (some of them) are 
in Expectation or rather hopes of obtaining a Grant 
this Year had I received any Acco*.^ from you or been 
furnished with any materials whatsoever, I sho^ have 
moved therein tho' I dont find any of the other 
Agents have, shall keep a Diligent and carefuU ob- 
servation respecting the same. 

I have taken much Pains in the Application for a 
Register and Marshall of your Court of Vice-Ad- 
miralty,^ but the Lords of the Admiralty here seem 
to think them unnecessary being already Established 
in a Neighbouring Colony I have not yet received 
a final Answer but when I do Expect it will be a 
Denial shall nevertheless Continue my Endeavours 
till brought to a Period. 

Richard Onslow Esq! Brother to the Speaker of 
the House of Commons is deceased. That House has 
been much Engaged during this Sessions about the 
Corn Distillery. Nothing arises in either House 
that seems materially to relate to the Colonys. 

Lord Geo. Sackville is now on his Trial by a 
Court Martial for his Conduct on the Plains of Min- 
den.* 

1 See note to letter of December 3; 1759. 

2 See preceding letter. 
8 See p. 291. 

4 The battle of Minden took place on August i, 1759. Lord George Sackville, who 
commanded the English cavalry, disobeyed at a critical moment the order to charge. 
A court-martial pronounced him guilty of disobedience and unfit to serve the Crown in 
any capacity whatever. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 307 

Doubtless you have heard of the Discent of Thurot 
on the Irish Coast and the Attack and Capture of his 
Squadron off the Isle of Man in which Engagement 
he Lost his Life.^ I am with great respect Gent 
Yr Ass"? and obliged Frf 

Joseph Sherwood. 

\f} 3? Mo. March 1760. 
Austin-Fryers. 

To The Govf and Company of the Colony of 
Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations in 
New-England in America 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Gent. 

My last to You was of the i f^ Ult per the New 
York Pacquett and Duplicate per the Peggy Capt? 
Evers. 

The 26'.'' of last Month the Chancellour of the Ex- 
chequer presented to the House of Commons a Mes- 
sage from his Majesty in the following words. 

George R. 

" His Majesty being Sensible of the Zeal and 
"Vigour with which his Faithfull Subjects in North 
" America have Exerted themselves in Defence of 
"his Majesty's just Rights and Possessions Recom- 
" mends it to this House to take the same into Con- 
" sideration and to Enable his Majesty to give them a 

1 The reference is to Thurot's descent upon the Irish coast in February of 1760. 
Upon his return voyage he was overhauled by an English fleet, and lost his life in the 
combat which followed. 



3o8 Correspondence of the 

" proper Compensation, for the Expences incurred by 
" the Respective Provinces in the Levying Cloathing 
" and Pay of the Troops raised by the same accord- 
" ing as the Active Vigour and strenuous Efforts of 
" the respective Provinces shall justly Appear to Merit. 

G. R. 

Ordered Nem. Con. 

" That his Majesty's most Gracious Message be 
" referred to the Consideration of the Committee of 
"the Whole House to virhom it is referred to Con- 
" sider further of the Supply Granted to his Majesty. 

31'.' March. 

Mf West according to Order, reported from the 
Committee of the vv^hole House to whom it was re- 
ferred to Consider farther of the Supply Granted to 
his Majesty, this Resolution which the Committee 
Directed him to Report to the House, which he 
read in his place and afterwards delivered at the 
Table where the same was read and Agreed to by 
the House and is as follows. 

'' Resolved \}^2X a Sum not Exceeding Two Hun- 
" dred Thousand Pounds be Granted to his Majesty 
" upon Acco! to Enable his Majesty to Give a proper 
" Compensation to the Respective Provinces in 
" North America for the Expences incurred by them 
" in the Levying Cloathing and pay of the Troops 
" raised by the same according as the Active Vigour 
" and strenuous Efforts of the respective Provinces 
" shall be thought by his Majesty to Meritt. 

You observe the Resolution Expressly Mentions 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 309 

the Levying Cloathing and Pay So that you will 
with all Expedition furnish me with an Account of 
the Number of Men raised, and the Expences Sus- 
tained in those Articles agreeable to my request in 
former Letters/ 

This being Easter week the Parliament and most 
of the Publick Offices are shut therefore can send 
you no further Account of your money till the Ex- 
chequer is opened which will be next week but the 
Pacquett being Expected to be made up to day I 
thought it necessary to take this Opportunity of Ac- 
quainting you with the above and am with great 
Respect Gent 

Y! Ass^ and Obliged Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood. 

Austin-Fryers. 

12'?' 4'." Mo. April 1760. 

To The Gov! and Co. of the Colony of Rhode- 
Island and Providence Plantations in America. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Resp'^. Fr^ 

My last was 24*?^ Oct' ^ per New York Pacquett, 
some time after the Meeting of the Lords of the 
Treasury I obtained a Referrence of my Petition ^ to 
the Pay-Master Generals Secretary at Warr and now 
it lays at the Warr Office before the proper Officer 

1 See note on p. 297. 

2 Not in the archives. 

8 For reimbursement for the campaign of 1756. 



3IO Correspondence of the 

whose duty it is to Examine such Accounts, several 
Objections are made to some of the Items contained 
therein particularly the Want of Rufus Hopkin's * 
Account which is therein mentf to be annexed but 
no such Account sent also there is no Receipt or 
Voucher for any overplus Stores or Provisions which 
were delivered to the King's Comm? nor any Credit 
given for any Sum received by the Colony on that 
Account if any such were Received Also the Charge 
for the Subsistence of the Men Amounting to about 
^looo. Sterling ought not to be Allowed according 
to the Words of the Secretary of States Letter to the 
Colony. 

I shall Endeavour to Obviate as many of these Ob- 
jections as I possibly can but some of them are Insur- 
mountable however I hope we shall obtain payment 
deducting for some of these exceptionable Articles. 

As to Publick Affairs our present Sovereign King 
George the third, has been Proclaimed in all the 
Considerable Places in England. The Parliament is 
sitting nothing Occurs respecting the Colonies. Yes- 
terday his Majesty went to the House of Lords and 
gave his Royal Assent to sev! Bills. No Measures 
taken by the Treasury Board respecting the Distri- 
bution of the last Grant. 

A very formidable Armament is just fitted out on 
a Secret Expedition. No signs of Peace. The King 
of Prussia has obtained a Compleat Victory over the 
Austrians under Marshall Daun. 

The Earl of Leicester Pacquett is lately Arrived 
from New York but no Letters from thee which is a 

1 Hopkins was commissary for Rhode Island. 



Colo7iial Governors of Rhode Island 3 1 1 

great Disappointment to me as I hoped to Receive 
by it the Accounts I have so often mentioned. I am 
with great regard to thy self and the Gent of the 
General Assembly their and thy 

Ass^ Fr^ 



Austin-Fryers. 10 Dec! 1760. 



Joseph Sherwood. 



SAMUEL WARD TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

Providence 2? January 1761 
Gentlemen 

As Governor Hopkins has made a Proposal for 
terminating the party Disputes in the Colony^ by 
resigninor his Pretensions to the Government in Con- 
dition that I will do the same It may expected that 
I should make some Reply to a Proposal so uncom- 
mon and extraordinary I must therefore beg Leave 
to say that I never opposed that Gentleman from 
any ambitious or interested Views but as under his 
Administration the public Good in my Opinion has 
been much neglected and some extraordinary Mea- 
sures repugnant to the Wellbeing of the Kingdom 
in General and of this Colony in particular have 
been pursued I thought it my Duty to oppose him ; 
This I at first did in Favor of our late worthy Gov- 
ernor M' Greene And upon his Decease being 

1 Since the death of Governor Greene, in February, 1758, Hopkins had been annually 
elected to that office, but each election was the signal for such an outburst of virulence 
and ill-feeling that, shortly before the election of 1761, Hopkins offered to withdraw 
his candidature provided that Ward would do the same. In the document printed 
above, we have Ward's answer to the proposal. In May Hopkins was again elected. 
See Field, State of Rhode Island, I. 207, 208. 



312 Correspondence of the 

strongly sollicited by some Gentlemen of Rank and 
Character I became Candidate for the Office of chief 
Magistrate And if I had been placed in that high 
Station I should have endeavoured to heal all our 
Divisions and reconcile all Parties by an equal and 
just Administration With these Views Gentlemen I 
have acted But as I am thoroughly sensible of the 
Inconveniencies attending our unhappy Disputes I 
shall chearfully concur in any just and reasonable 
Measures for restoring Peace and good Order to the 
Colony But as the Right of electing General Officers 
now is and I hope for ever will remain in the Free- 
men of the Colony I cant conceive that Mi" Hopkins 
or I have any Authority to say who they shall or 
shall not give their Votes for without a manifest In- 
vasion of their Privileges. But at the same Time if 
the Gentlemen of the Colony are of Opinion that my 
declining a public Office will promote the Peace and 
Welfare of the Government I will readily and chear- 
fully resign all my Pretensions to any public Post 
whatever contenting myself with rendering in a pri- 
vate Capacity what Service I can to the Community 
of which I am a Member But if the Freemen of the 
Colony think it most for their Interest to place me 
in a public Station I shall think it my indispensable 
Duty to submit to their Appointment and do them 
all the Service in my Power I am Gentlemen 
Your most obedient Servant 

Sam Ward 

To the honble the Members of both Houses not 
in their public Capacity but as some of the prin- 
cipal Gentleman of the Colony 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 313 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Esteemed Fr^ 

The foregoing is Triplicate of my last the Dupli- 
cate I Apprehend Miscarryed. My Petition is Re- 
ported upon by the Paymaster General and Secretary 
at Warr and sent back to the Treasury, a Copy of 
which toQ:ether with the Observations which I have 
Exhibited by way of Reply comes herewith.^ I have 
also Presented a Memorial for our Share of the Grant 
of last Sessions. The House of Commons have Voted 
another ^200.000 for the American Colonies. 

I have had nothing from you for a long time, not 
so much as an Acknowledgement of the Receipt of 
the money, I am ready to Conclude some Letters to 
me have Miscarried, be that as it may Interim I am 
much at loss for want of Advices. I am with Great 
Regard to the Gentlemen of the General Assembly 
and thyself 

Their and Thy Ass^ Frf 

Joseph Sherwood. 

31'.' Jan7 1761. 

Report of the Secretary at War upon the Petition of Joseph Sher- 
wood."^ 

Secretary at War and Paymaster Generals Report to the Treasury, 
on the Petition of Joseph Sherwood, Agent for Rhode-Island. 

May it please your Lordships. 

In Obedience to your Lordships desire (Signified to us by Mr 
Martin, Your Lordships Secretary) that We should Examine into 
the Particulars of the Petition of Mr Joseph Sherwood Agent to 

1 See the following document. 

2 Enclosed with letter of January 31, 1761. 



314 Correspondence of the 

the Colony of Rhode Island, and Report to your Lordships Our 
Opinion thereupon, We lay before your Lordships the following 
Observations, Viz' 

That, as no Original Bills, Receipts or Papers, have been Pro- 
duced to Support the Several Articles of the Account, annexed 
to the Petition, We have therefore had no Opportunity of Ascer- 
taining the Correctness and Truth of the Matters Contained 
therein, but the Validity of the whole, Rests Solely on the Faith 
of the Seal of the Colony. 

That, not any Notice is taken of Stores, either of Provisions or 
Artillery Remaining after the Troops returned home, tho' We 
Apprehend it likely, there were some of both kinds. For the Value 
of which, the Public should have had Credit ; and have had in 
former Demands of this Nature. 

That there are Several unusual, unmilitary Species of Provi- 
sions and Stores in the Account, unknown to Regular Armies, 
as, Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, Sugar, Hams, Knives, Forks, Spoons, 
Plates, Soap &c? which, as they cou'd not be intended for the 
Soldier, if the Officer choose such Indulgencies. they shou'd have 
been borne from his Pay. 

Lastly, the Petition Sets forth that by a Circular Letter from 
the Secretary of State to the Northern Colonies, dated the 13*.'^ 
of March 1756^ it was Signifyed to them, That the Raising the 
Men, their Pay, Arms, and Cloathing wou'd be all that wou'd be 
Required of the Colonies, The Account Contains a Considerable 
Charge for Subsistence 'till the Men arrived at Albany, and from 
the time they left the Camp, till they were discharged at home, 
Which Charge is Contrary to the Tenor of the said Letter, And 
Amounts to the sum of £\2o^.\/^ 

To these Several Observations and Objections, the Petitioner 
has replied. That the Several Species of Provisions taken Notice 
of, were for the Use of the Hospital, and that others as Unusual, 
as Ginger, Cyder, Vinegar, Onyons were Charged by, and allow'd 
to the Colony of Connecticut, and also a Considerable sum for 
Pay of Commissioners Appointed to Manage and direct the Affairs 
of their Troops ; for which the Colony of Rhode Island, makes 
no Demand. 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., V. 485. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 3 1 5 

Upon the Whole, We Humbly Report to Your Lordships, that 
the Account Circumstanced and Authenticated, as aforesaid is 
ffairly and Exactly Stated, and according to the Rates of the 
Several Currencies therein. Amounts to ^4,211.19.7 ; From which 
the Charge of Subsistence being Subtracted there will remain 
;^3oo2.5.7 which will be due and Payable to the Colony of Rhode 
Island, if your Lordships are Pleased to Admitt and Accept of 
the Reply made by the Petitioner to the other Particulars. 
Which is Humbly Submitted to Your Lordships. 

(Signed) H. Fox 

Barrington. 
Janry 19'? 1761. 

Observations of the Agent for Rhode Island on the Report of the 
Paymaster General and Secretary at War to Remove the Objec- 
tions contained in said Report. 

Original Bills, or Receipts, were not Expected to be called for, 
nor were they Produced by the other Colonies, nor could they, 
as the Several Matters were bought in small Quantities of a 
Great Number of People, But the Account is Verifyed by the 
Oath of the Gov' who was Chairman of the Committee of War 
who Swears that the Provisions &c contained in the Account 
were Supplyed and paid for by the said Colony. 

It is probable there was no Remains of Provisions after the 
Troops returned home and as for Artillery Stores great part of 
them Appear on the face of the Account to be bona periiura or 
Goods that would soon be Used and Consumed and such of them 
as do not come under that Description were without doubt added 
to the Kings Magazines as the Rest of the Colonies were and 
the not sending any Receipt or Voucher must be an Accidental 
Omission which it is hoped will not Operate to the Disadvanage 
of the Colony more Especially as the whole Account is verifyed 
upon Oath as aforesaid. 

The Species of Provisions and Stores Objected to were In- 
tended for the Sick and Wounded, and the same kinds of Provi- 
sions were Supplied by the other Colonies for the same Purpose, 
and Reimbursed by the Crown. 

The Charge for Subsistance of the Men (which is Objected to 
by the said Report) is not in Lieu of Pay but their Provisions 



3i6 Correspondence of the 

from the time of Raising the Men in each Township to the time 
they reached the Rendesvouz at Albany the Place where (it is 
Apprehended) the Stores of each kind charged in the Account 
were sent now, as it was Impracticable to Provide each Man 
Raised in the Different parts of the Colony with these Identical 
Provisions on their Immediate Inlistment, the money charged in 
the Account was paid them in Lieu of Provision and is very 
properly called Subsistance (that is) to Support them till they 
reached the Magazines and is an Expence w'^.'' his Majesty was 
pleased to Engage to Reimburse And what Elucidates this mat- 
ter is the Agreement Entred into between the sev! Colonies and 
the King's Comm"!.^ in the Ensuing Campaigns for after Provi- 
sions &c. were Provided at Albany pursuant to the Royal Plea- 
sure at the Expence of the Crown the Men raised by the sev! 
Colonies could not partake of these Provisions till they reached 
the Magazines and therefore were Allowed Subsistance in pay 
in Lieu of Provisions untill they Arrived there and such Allow- 
ances were in the Subsequent Campaigns Reimbursed by the 
King's Commissioners to the several Colonies. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Esteemed Fr^ 

Notwithstanding the most Assiduous and Con- 
stant Application and having Obtained the Report 
on my Petition as Inclosed the Lords of the Trea- 
sury^ seem greatly Disposed to make Use of the 
Difficulty's raised therein and to give us the go by. 
They Say this Account is a matter not Proper to 
be Recommended to his Majesty for Reimbursement, 
I have drawn up an Additional Memorial and pre- 

1 See the preceding document. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 317 

sented, being Determined nothing shall be wanting 
on my part tho' I very much doubt the Success of it 
as the Government have such Immence and Innu- 
merable calls for money and have so lately Granted 
other sums to the Northern Colonies. 

Nevertheless if I am Furnished with Sufficient 
materials from you to Remove the Objections con- 
tained in this Report I will (if it is Practicable) revive 
the Sollicitation again altho' it should be Absolutely 
Quashed at this time. 

It is matter of Astonishment to me that I have 
received no Answers to any of my Letters. 

A Distribution of the ^200,000 Granted for 1759 
is Expected soon. 

Both Houses of Parliament are now sittinor in 
which Nothing has ben done materially to Affect the 
Colonies save what I have advised of, the Sessions 
are expected to be over in about a Month when a New 
Parliament is to be Elected and the People begin to 
be very Busy about Electioneering. No Signs of 
Peace. 

No material alterations among the Great all the 
Judges have had their Commissions renewed as also 
the Governors &c* of the Colonies. We have just 
received an Express from Germany for the Particu- 
lars whereof and the other Current News of the Town 
I referr to the Inclosed Prints of which I desire the 
Favourable acceptance and am with great Esteem 



3i8 Correspondence of the 

and regard to thyself and the Gent of the General 
Assembly 

Their and thy Ass^ Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood. 

3? March 1761. 

To Steph^ Hopkins Esq"; 

Gov' of the Colony of Rhode-Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations in America. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Resp^. Fr^. 

. I wrote thee by the last Packett mentioning the 
Receipt of thy Favours of 31^.' Aug* and 17'!* Jan7 
last. The General Account of your Operations in 
1759 contained in the first is very Instructing and 
would have been of good Service had it Arrived in 
Time but the Lords of the Treasury made the return 
of General Amherst the Standard of their Allottment 
which return Consisted, not, of the Men actually sent 
into the Field, but of the Numbers Voted by each 
Assembly. Intimation was given to them that most 
of the Colonies were Deficient in sending the whole 
Number Voted, but that Objection was Answered 
by Alledging that those Deficiencys were in every 
one of the Colonies near equally proportionable to 
the Troops Voted in each respective Colony, and 
which I Apprehend was pretty much the Case in the 
Year 1759 you being 150 Deficient and if your De- 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 319 

ficiencys in that year were much less than the rest of 
the Colonys it wo^ have been necessary to Instruct 
me not only, what your Number were, but also what 
the Neighbouring Colonies sent out which if [it] had 
Arrived before the Allottment I wof have made a 
proper use of. As I am so Seldom Favoured with 
Letters from thee I hope thou wilt hereafter send 
Triplicates of every Letter (at least during the Con- 
tinuance of the Warn) I note your Observation 
respecting the late Distribution and apprehend the 
money was Allotted ratably according to the Num- 
ber of Troops Voted by each Colony and Under- 
neath I send the Account of the Troops Voted for 
1759 as Appears by the return of General Am- 
herst.^ 

The Account Amounting to ^281.1.6. for Marine 
Service" is not come to hand I hope it will be Trans- 
mitted as soon as possible and then I will make the 
proper Application. 

I Expect the Letter of Attorney will Answer all 
purposes Intended now, being so amply Confirmed 
by thy Letter of I7'^ Jan : 

The Information respecting the Campaign 1760 is 
very seasonable and acceptable I think it is very 
equitable that the Troops really sent into the Field 
and not the Troops Voted ought to be the Measure 
of Distribution more especially when some of the 
Colonies fall so far short of the Numbers Voted. 



1 See p. 322. 

2 The agent was directed to ask 40s. per head for the seamen sent up the St. Law- 
rence in 1759. See Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 241 and 254. 



320 Correspondence of the 

Some of our Leading Men have taken great Dis- 
gust at the Trade with the French ment^ in thy 
Letter and said to be carried on by the Northern 
Colonies, many Appeals^ are depending respecting 
Condemnations of Ships in that Trade I dont hear 
that any EngHsh Appeals have been Determined 
yet, the Condemnation of those Vessells I think may 
Appease their wrath and that it will not be Extended 
to any Parliamentary Prohibition. However if any 
Application sho*^ be made to Parliament I will most 
certainly do my utmost for your Benefit and give 
you Notice. 

I have received the Warrant for the ^9328.^ but 
when the money will be Received is DoubtfulL We 
may Receive it, perhaps in One, peradventure not in 
three Months. The many and Various Calls on the 
Publick for money Occasion these delays. It was 
hinted to us by one of the Senior Clerks of the Trea- 
sury as if we sho^ soon Receive half our Money and 
be Oblidged to accept Government Securitys for the 
other Moiety payable, at some future day with Inter- 
est. However we are at present in a State of uncer- 
tainty so soon as it is fixed I will give you Infor- 
mation. 

I have not the least Instructions respecting the 
Disposition of this money when it is Received you 



1 See vote of the Assembly, October, 1760, Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 259; also letter 
of Hopkins to Pitt, Ibid., VI. 263. 

2 Rhode Island's share of the grant of 1760. Out of the grant for 1759 she received 
£8798. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 321 

will therefore on Receipt of this send me your De- 
termination in that behalf and if you shall Resolve to 
draw Bills on me for it, I must Intreat you will be 
carefuU not to send these Bills till you are Assured 
the money is Actually Received or Receivable by 
me as it will be extremely Difficult for me to Provide 
for such a Sum out of any other Fund. 

By my Letters^ and Duplicates of the 16*!' Sept": 
2/^^ Oct^ id^ Dec' 31^' Jan? and 3^^ March thou wilt 
see my Progress in the Affair of the Crown Point 
Expedition which now lays in the same manner as 
when I wrote last on that Subject I hope you will 
Speedily furnish me with Answers to the Objec- 
tions Raised and then I shall Continue my Applica- 
tion but I do Assure you it is Up-Hill-work to 
pursue such matters at this particular Juncture. 

By my Letter and Duplicate of the 8'^ Aug! I sent 
my Account with the Colony but as no mention is 
made of the Receipt of it I Inclose a third. I am 
with great respect to the Gent of the General As- 
sembly and thy self their and 

Thy Ass^ Fr"? 

Joseph Sherwood. 

Austin-Fryers 
30 May 1 761. 

1 See pp. 313, 316 for the last two mentioned- 



322 Correspondence of the 

General Amhersfs Return. 

Massachusetts 6500 Men 

Connecticut 5000 

New Hampshire 1200 

Rhode Island 1000 

New York 2680 

New Jersey 1000 

Pennsylvania 3300 

Virginia 1200 

Total 21880 

To Steph^ Hopkins Esq! 

Gov' of the Colony of Rhode-Island. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Esteemed Fr^ 

Many of the Colony Bills have been presented, all 
those of 10 Days I have accepted, some of the 60 
days Date I have Sufferred to be protested in Order 
to see what may turn out between this and the Time 
of their coming due ; Yet I shall Endeavour to take 
Care of them and not Suffer them to return but I 
fear it will be Attended with loss to the Colony.^ 

The House of Commons has Voted ^133,000 for 
the American Colonies to be Divided according to the 
respective Meritt of each. 

Great Preparations are making in the Privateering 
way for Annoying the Spaniards. 

1 See Governor Ward's letter of August 6, 1762, 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 323 

Notwithstanding all I could do the Lords of the 
Treasury Resolved that they wo*^ not Agree to my 
Application to Parliament for your Expences in 
1756. 

I Deferr sending a Copy of the Navy Bill till next 
Opportunity. 

Both Houses of Parliament are sitting nothing 
arises therein relating to the Colonies except what I 
have mentioned The Late Attorney Gen! is made 
Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.^ The 
Soil' Gen! is made Attny Gen! and Fletcher Norton 
Esqr an Eminent King's Council is made Sollf Gen! 
I am 

Thy respectfuU Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

6'." Feb. 1762. 

To Stephen Hopkins EsqT 

Gov! of the Colony of Rhode-Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations in America. 



SAMUEL WARD TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.^ 

East Greenwich 26. February 1762. 
Gentlemen 

That the present Party Disputes now unhappily 
subsisting in this Colony are very injurious to the 

1 Hon. Charles Pratt became Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and Mr. 
Yorke Attorney-General. 

2 See Ward's letter of January 2, 1 761, declining a proposal from Hopkins which 
was similar to this in general tenor, although not in detail. Hopkins refused to enter- 
tain this proposition. 



324 Correspondence of the 

publick every sensible Man must be convinced and 
it is the Duty of every Person who wishes well to the 
Colony to endeavour to put a Period to them I hum- 
bly propose the following Plan and heartily wish it 
may effectually answer that desirable end. 

i^.' That Governor Hopkins and myself respec- 
tively resign our Pretensions to the Office of Gov- 
ernor 

2^ As the Town of Newport is the Metropolis of 
the Colony and pays one fifth of all publick Taxes it 
appears reasonable that the Governor should reside 
there and altho I am very far from prescribing to the 
Freemen of the Colony in the Choice of their Offi- 
cers I must beg leave to say that I shall be much 
pleased to see the honorable Gideon Wanton Esq' 
fill the Chair and hope the Freemen will appoint 
that Gentleman or some other in Newport capable 
of sustaining that Important Post with Ability 

3*^ I think it equally reasonable that the Deputy 
Governor should reside in Providence as that place 
for Number of Inhabitants and its extensive Com- 
merce is the second in the Colony and altho I am 
sensible I have no other Right to nominate than any 
other Freeman of the Colony I flatter myself that my 
acknowledging that Nicholas Cook Esq!" or Daniel 
Jencks Esq! or some other Gentleman of equal 
merit would in my Opinion give a general Satisfac- 
tion in that honorable Place will give Offence to no 
Person 

4. I beg leave to add that the Magistrates be 
equally chosen out of the two contending Parties and 
if this Plan be acceptable to the General Assembly 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 325 

and adopted by Governor Hopkins I will chearfully 
resign all my Pretensions to the Chair and shall think 
myself very happy in having had a small Share in 
restoring Harmony and Unanimity to the Colony ^ 
I am Gentlemen 

Your most Obed' Servant 

Sam Ward 

To the Honorable the Gen! Assembly 

A true Copy of the Original is on File in my Office. 
Witness Henry Ward Secretary. 



INSTRUCTIONS OF GOVERNOR WARD TO COLONEL ROSE,-* 

By the Honb'f Samuel Ward Esq' Governor, Captain General and 
Commander in Chief of and over the English Colony of Rhode 
Island and Providence Plantations in New England in America. 

Instructions to be observed by Samuel Rose Esq^ Colonel of 
the ^ Regiment raised in this Colony to be Employed in North 
America in such manner as his Majesty's Commander in Chief 
shall think fit until the first day of November next unless sooner 
lawfully discharged 

i^.' You are to embrace the first suitable Weather and with such 

1 In the next election (May, 1762) Ward was elected governor. 

2 Rose was colonel of the regiment voted in December, 1761. See Col. Rec. of 
R. /., VI. 300 ; and Arnold, Rhode Island, II. 234. 

8 War had been declared against Spain as the aggressive ally of France, in January, 
1762. S^e Col. Rec. of R. I.,Vl. 2<)?>. Pitt had resigned in the preceding October, 
and the Earl of Egremont became Secretary of State, and reaped the benefits of Pitt's 
talent for organization, and also of the spirit of enterprise and enthusiasm with which he 
had imbued both the army and the naval service. The French West Indies were the 
point of attack. Martinique surrendered on February 14. See General Amherst's let- 
ters in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 310, 312. Amherst's letter requesting a levy of two hun- 
dred and seven men follows. Ibid., VI. 310. The Assembly had voted a regiment of 
six hundred and sixty-six men in December, and added one hundred and seventy-eight 
in March. /^i(/., 300,305, 316. The " expedition of the utmost importance " to which 
Amherst refers was the reduction of Cuba. The Rhode Island troops were ordered to 
Albany. 



326 Correspondence of the 

part of the aforesaid Regiment as hath not already been sent 
forward in the Vessels provided by this Government and proceed 
directly to Albany. And at all Times You with the Forces under 
Your Command are to observe such Instruction and Orders as 
shall be given You by His Majesty's Commander in Chief in North 
America 

2^^ During the Voyage to Albany and Your Continuance in 
the Service You are to use Your utmost care and Diligence that 
the Forces under Your Command be supplied with Necessaries of 
all sorts and in every respect well treated that they may be in 
good order and full of spirit and Vigour. This will highly Con- 
duce to His Majesty's Service and Your Own Honor 

3"^.^ You are to take particular care that none of the Arms Ac- 
coutrements nor any other Articles with which the said Troops 
shall be supplied be wasted lost or Embezzled. This I recom- 
mend to You strongly as heretofore the Colony hath suffered 
greatly upon that Account. And further You are to take notice 
that each officer by Act of Assembly is made accountable for all 
the Arms and Accoutrements he shall receive. 

4*."^ You are from time to time to give notice to Your Constitu- 
ents of every thing Material respecting the said Troops so long 
as they shall Continue under Your Command 

Given under my Hand and Seal this Seventeenth day of 
May 1762 and in the second Year of the Reign of His 
most Sacred Majesty George the Third by the Grace of 
God King of Great Britain 



GOVERNOR WARD TO NATHANIEL MUMFORD.^ 

Westerly July i'.' 1762 
Sir 

You'l receive herewith the Billeting Rolls ^ for the 
Years 1757, 61 and 62 amounting in the whole to 

1 Mumford would seem to have been a person of little importance. No reference 
to him is found save in connection with this affair, and a statement in Arnold's Rhode 
Island, II. 413, that in 1778 he was state clothier for the troops. 

2 See enclosure. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 327 

;^i858.io.72 Sterl? with which You will immediately 
proceed to New. York and wait on his Excellency 
General Amherst^ And as you are sensible that 
the Government is in the greatest Want of the 
Money You'l exert your utmost Endeavours to ob- 
tain it and at the same Time will transact the Busi- 
ness with all possible dispatch and Oeconomy that 
the Government may receive their Money with as 
little Expence as may be. The Rolls for the Year 
1757 should have been presented long since ^ but the 
General's Candor will not permit the Government to 
suffer by a Neglect which they often complained of 
but could not prevent 

In the Year 1761 the Soldiers were not discharged 
until some Time after their Return from Fort Stan- 
wix^ and had billeting allowed them in the mean 
Time but as those Rolls are not returned me I could 
not send them You may however mention them to 
the General and receive his Directions concerning 
them. 

I am in Hopes you'l receive the Money in New 
York without any Delay or Difficulty but if the 
Affair cannot be accomplished without going to 
Albany it will be better to proceed there than to 
return without the Money "^ 

You'l receive Gold, Silver or Bills of Exchange ; 
if Silver it will be for the Governments Interest to 
exchange it for Gold if you can conveniently Gold 

1 See the orders of the Assembly, CoL Rec, of R. /., VI. 322. 

2 Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 327. 

3 The new fort built by Brigadier Stanwix at the Great Carrying Place on the Mo- 
hawk, in 175S. 

* See Ward's letter to Amherst of September 6, 1762, in Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 338. 



328 



Correspondence of the 



being higher here in Proportion to Silver than in 
New York and whatever Money you receive you will 
on your Return to Newport lodge in the General 
Treasury there 

I am &c 

S Ward 

[Enclosure.] 

Billeting Rolls for 1757 of Dan! Wall's Comp^ 

amounted to Sterl? £?>(^. 6.3^ 

Ebenezer Whitings Company 49.17.1^ 

Jeremiah Greeness Comp^: 85.18.3^ 

John Whitings's Comp?" 123. 0.7 

Ebinezer Jencks Compf gi. 6. — 



Bille? Rolls for 1761 of Soldiers enlisted by Cap 
Tibbets Hopkins and Lieu* Asa Bowdish 
amounted to 

Ditto by Cap! Lieu? Tho? Fry 

Cap* Giles Russells's Comp? 

Maj! Christ : Hargills Comp? 

Col? John Whitings Comp?' . 

Lieu! Col° Sam. Rose's Comp?' 

Sold? enlisted by Cap* Nath! Peck, Lieut? Jon 
Spears and Abraham Hawkins and Ens' 
Comfort Carpenter 

Cap! Asa Kimbal Comp?' 

Cap! Nath! Pecks Comp? 



£m9- 


8.3i 


. £1^. 


4-— 


5- 


15-4 


. 60. 


I. 


. 68. 


12.4 


. 64. 


17 — 


. 66. 


— 4 


.[.,. 


0.4 


• 58. 


1.4 


. 36. 


14.8 



;^452. 6.4 



Billeting paid the Soldiers after their Return in 
1 76 1 till they were discharged, by Rob! Pot- 
ter Esq! 

Billeting Roll? 1762 Sold"? enlisted by Cap! 
Giles Russel Lieu! Hez"^ Saunders and Ens" 
Jn°Tefr 



;^6.II.8 



81. 19.8 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 329 

D° by Lieu*' Thof Cotterell Edw'l Cross and ") 

Moses Warren ) 

D? by Lieu'f Sam. Thornton W" Henenden and '\ 

Asa Kimbal and Ensigns Jon. Millard and >• 138. 16. 4 

Simeon Stevens ) 

Majr Pecks Company 108. 11. — 

Cap? Tho! Tews Comp? c . 58. 6.— 

Lieu^ Col? Hargills Comp? 56.17.8 

Col? Sam. Roses Comp? 176. 5. — 

Sol? enlis? by Cap* Tho! Fay and Lieu* Asa) 

Bowdish I104.13.8 

Cap* Abraham Hawkins Comp? 61.10. — 

Sol"^ enlist? by Cap* Fay Lieu* Asa Bowdish 7 , „ 
and Josiah Hopkins j" 9- -4 

966.16.0 



COLONEL ROSE^ TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Fort Stanwix July 5'?', 1762 
Ho7ioured S^ 

I here send you inclosed A General Return of the 
Regiment,^ I doubt not but you will be surprised 
when you see so large A number deserted in Rhode 
Island, but according to the returns given to me it 
appears by Cap! Hawkins Return ; that twenty two 
deserted from him in the company raised at Provi- 
dence, which in my Oppinion ought to be Enquired 
into, the Commanding Officers of companys having 
so large A Latitude in paying Bountys and other 
Stoppages, which is very Obstructive I imagine to the 
interest of the Colony and Good of his Majestys Ser- 
vice. Colonel Whiting^ applied to me when he was 

1 See note to letter of May 17, 1762. 2 See enclosure. 

3 This proceeding was in accord with the vote of Assembly. Col. Rec. of R. I., 
VL 316. 



330 Correspondence of the 

here for Liberty to Recruit in the Reg!, which I 
granted but he never appHed to my knowled. if the 
Government thinks proper towards the Last of the 
campaign, that Men should be raised here to com- 
pleat the Quota demanded by his Majesty ; I think 
that some Officers being appointed that is now in 
the Reg! would answer the End better than A Gen- 
tleman that is in direct opposition to the interest 
of most Officers present, if you have any thing 
Matterial to communicate to the Reg! you will have 
an Oppertunity by the Return of the post which is 
all from Yours to Serve whilst 

Sam^ Rose 

To the Honorable SamV Ward 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island 

[Enclosure.] 

A General Return of the Rhode Island Regiment Fort Stanwiv 
July j'.* 1^62. 



Rank and Left Sick Deserted in Deserted — 
Colonel Maj'. Capt'. Lieut'. Ensigns Serjt'. file in at Rhode on the -g 

camp R : Island Island passage (-i 



I I 2 9 4 22 332 6 45 5 427 

\}. Colonel H argil! Detachment being compleated at 

N: York to 217 



Total Officers included . . . 644 
Sam^ Rose 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 331 

JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Resp'f Friend. 

Being Informed thou art Elected Governor of the 
Colony I take the Liberty of Addressing thee on the 
Publick Concerns. 

I Received sometime ago from the late Governor 
Information respecting the Martial Operations of 
the Colony for the Year 1760/ by which I Under- 
stood that you had in that Year sent into the Field 
very near the Number of Men Voted, and that sev- 
eral other of the Colonies had fallen far short of the 
Number Voted, and Directed me to make Repre- 
sentations thereof to the Treasury Board, which I 
accordingly did and Objected to a Distribution on 
the same Plan as the Preceeding Year which Distri- 
bution was according to the Number of Men Voted 
by each Province, the same Objection was also made 
by some of the Agents for the other Colonies, 
Whereupon their Lordships told us that as they had 
no return from General Amherst of the Forces Actu- 
ally in the Service they could pay no regard to our 
Private Intelligence, and unless we could Agree among 
Ourselves we must wait till the Generals return could 
be obtained which would take up a Considerable 
time. It was thereupon Proposed that a part of the 
Grant for 1 760 should Remain in the Treasury to 
attend the Event of the Claims of any of the Colonys 
to any Superior or Extra Services which was ap- 
proved by their Lordships and the sum of ^10,000 
was thought a proper sum for that Purpose, And the 

1 See letter of May 30, 1761. 



332 Correspondence of the 

money has accordingly been Distributed as before 
Deducting from each Colony one Twentieth part, I 
have this day received for you ;^886 1.12s. which 
waits for your Orders, And as to the ;^ 10.000 which 
is to be Distributed among the Colonies by the 
General's Return I request that you will as Early 
as Possible Obtain a Copy of such return and if 
any Error or Oversight should be in to get it Cor- 
rected therefor the Generals return is most likely to 
be the Rule which the Lords will Determine the 
Claims by.^ 

The Harriot Pacquet from New- York being Chased 
by a Privateer threw her Dispatches over Board so 
that I have received no Advice from the Colony. 

There was much talk of a Negotiation for Peace a 
few days ago but it seems now to Subside." I am 
with great Regard to the Gentlemen of the General 
Assembly and thyself 

Their and Thy respectfull Frf 

Joseph Sherwood. 

Austin-Fryers. 

31°.' July 1762. 

To Sam^ Ward EsqT 

GovT of the Colony of Rhode-Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations 

America. 



1 See the vote of Assembly upon the matter, in October, Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 341 ; 
and the letters exchanged between Ward and Amherst of November 11 and 21, Ibid., 
VI. 343. 344- 

2 Moro Castle surrendered July 30, after a siege of six weeks. Havana capitulated 
two weeks later. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 333 

LIEUTENANT EDMUND NEWLAND ^ TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Sir^ 

I had an Order the other Day from the General 
to send all the Recruits I had musterd to N York 
immediatly and to remain here till I had receivd the 
whole. I am very sorry to find the Recruiting Ser- 
vice has been carried on with less Success in this 
Colony then in any of the others and am Apprehen- 
sive the Gen' will imagine it must proceed from some 
Neglect of mine or coolness somewhere else. 

I have made it my Business to enquire how this 
Affair is conducted in other Places and have con- 
cluded to acquaint you with the Method taken in 
Connecticutt which I hope youl approve of as it 
appears to me to be the most prudent : The Officer 
appointed by the Gen! to muster the Recruits has 
receivd from Governor Fitch a Number of Blank 
Beating Orders signd by the Governor which he has 
taken the Trouble of Distributing in proper Places 
about the Colony : he has also settled a Method of 
easily supplying the Persons with Money for carry- 
ing on that Service. Now Sr if you approve of this 
Method and will be kind enough to let me know it, 
I will wait on you at any time you think proper in 
Order to put it (or any other Method you think 
proper) in Execution,^ if you do not approve of it, if 
you would be kind enough to change the Gentlemen 
at present employd for that Service I should be very 



1 Newland was of Lieutenant-Colonel Gage's regiment. See Amherst's letter of 
May 16, 1762, in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 319. 

2 Action was taken by the Assembly, as suggested. Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 331. 



334 Correspondence of the 

glad as I am certain they give themselves very little 
Trouble about it and am S' 

Your most obedient humble Servant 

Edmund Newland L* 8o^^ Reg! 
Newport Aug! 2? 1 762 



GOVERNOR WARD TO JOSEPH SHERWOOD. 

Newport ef" Aug'.' 1762 
Sir 

Having the Honor to be chosen Governor of this 
Colony I am now to open a Correspondence with 
you in Behalf of the Government. 

I am very sorry to find by your Letter of the 6^^ 
Feby ^ last that the Lords of the Treasury would not 
consent to your applying to Parliament for a Reim- 
bursement of our Expences in 1756 but as some of 
the other Colonies have already received their Money 
for the same Services and none of them have exerted 
themselves more for his Maj^^ Interest than we have 
I hope we may yet obtain ours I must therefore 
desire you to wait a more favourable Opportunity of 
renewing your Application to the Treasury This is 
the Advice of Cap* Harrison^ from whom I have 
lately received a Letter on this Subject 

I find by your Letters that the Parliament made a 



1 See p. 322. 

2 Captain Joseph Harrison was a prominent merchant of Newport, of some repute 
for his talents as a mathematician. He resided for some years in England. He was 
Collector of the Port of Boston at the time of the " Boston tea-party." See Ward's 
letter to Harrison, in Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 324. See vote of the Assembly, Ibid., VI. 
322. 




SAMUEL WARD 
1762-1763, 1765-1767 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 335 

Grant to the Colonies for the Year 1 760 and also for 
1 76 1 neither of which I suppose were apportioned 
when you wrote, but as the Colony is in the greatest 
Want of Money I must recommend it to you to 
make the most seasonable and diligent Application 
in Behalf of the Government and to let me know 
when you have or are likely to receive the Money 
that the necessary Orders relative to it may be given 
and no Mistake or Delay happen in the Payment of 
the Money or Bills ; for this purpose I have enclosed 
you Copies of our Acts for raising Men this Year 
and last and if you have Occasion for any further 
Directions upon this or any other of the Colonies 
Affairs let me know it by first Opportunity and you 
may depend upon my giving you the most full and 
timely Accounts 

The Government was not well pleased that you 
suffered any of their Bills to be protested but as you 
observe in your next Letter that you shall pay them 
all I hope it may give Satisfaction and prevent the 
Dishonor which would have been done to the Colony 
by their Bills being protested/ 

The last Assembly^ appointed a Committee to 
audit your Accounts who will make a Report the 
next Sessions which will be about a Fortnight hence ^ 
and I shall then let you know the Resolution of the 
Government thereon 

The last Letter of yours which I have received 
is dated 27'!^ Feb! 1762^ and as I dont doubt you 
have wrote since that Time I must desire you to send 



1 See letter of February 6, 1762. 2 The June Assembly of 1762. 

8 No report appears. * Not in the archives. 



336 Correspondence of the 

me Duplicates of all Letters wrote since that no- 
thing may be wanting to promote the Governments 
Interest 

The Agent for the Province of the Massachus".' 
Bay has wrote to them to draw Bills on him for their 
Part of the Grant for 1 760 and they are now draw- 
ing : I should have been greatly pleased if we could 
have drawn for ours for there never was a Time 
when the Colony had more Need of Relief from 
home. The War has brought on us a most amaz- 
ing Load of Debt^ and at the same Time by the 
Loss of the greatest Part of our Trade incapacitated 
us to pay it ; a most extreme Droughth cutt off most 
of the Crops last Year, a very severe Winter followed 
Numbers of Cattle died for Want of Hay and the 
People themselves must have perished if large Sup- 
plies had not been procured from the other Colonies : 
this Year the Droughth is equally or more severe and 
how the People will be supplied Heaven only knows 
These peculiar Circumstances of Distress make his 
Majesty's Favours more immediately necessary I 
must therefore recommend to you in the strongest 
Manner the most seasonable and diligent application 
to the Colony's Business and Interest I am Sir 
With due Regard 

Your most humble Servant 

Sam : Ward 

P. S With regard to the Men actually enlisted by 
the Colony the last Year I suppose there was nearly 

1 There were outstanding, in 1762, over £93,000 in bills of credit in old tenor, £2300 
of Crown Point money, and £66,000 of so-called lawful money. See the Report of 
the Committee on Bills of Credit, Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 328. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 337 

the same Deficiency in our Troops as in those of the 
other Governments but this Year we have been so 
successful! as to enhst the whole Compliment except 
about fifteen or twenty and they all seasonably ar- 
rived at their Places of Destination much to General 
Amhersts Satisfaction excepting between fifty or 
sixty sick and Deserters ^ 

M' Joseph Sherwood 



GOVERNOR WARD TO COLONEL ROSE. 

Newport Sep! 6'." 1762 
Sir 

I have had the Pleasure of two Letters from you 
one dated June 3^ 1762 ^ at Albany acquainting me 
with your Arrival there and that the Billeting Money 
was ready Your Attention to the Governments In- 
terest in giving me the earliest Notice of which is 
very agreeable to me. Your other Letter enclosed 
me a return of the Regiment ^ but you unhappily 
forgot to send me the Names of those who deserted 
on their Passage. I must therefore desire you to 
write me by the first Opportunity their Names with 
a description of their Persons that proper Care may 
be taken to Apprehend them 

The Government have ordered a Company of 
Sixty four Men to be enlisted and with two Officers 
to be continued in Pay until the first of July next, 

1 General Amherst's satisfaction will be best appreciated by reading his letters of 
May II and August 4, in Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 31S, 333. 

2 Not in the archives. 

3 See letter of July 5, 1762. 
VOL. II. 



338 Correspondence of the 

Cap* George Cornel by whom you'l receive this Let- 
ter and also a Blank Commission for the Officer you 
may appoint is Chosen Captain of the Company and 
you are empowered to appoint a Lieutenant and for 
your Direction in the Affair I have enclosed you a 
Copy of the Act of Government ^ and doubt not from 
the Regard which I am sensible you have for his Ma- 
jestys service but you will use your best endeavours 
to see it carried into Execution 

With Regard to the Regiment under your Com- 
mand I have only to recommend it to you, the other 
Officers, and Privates to conduct yourselves in such 
Manner as may be most for his Majestys Service, the 
Interest and Honor of the Colony, and your own 
Reputation I am Sir 

Your most Obedient Humble Servant 

Sam Ward 



COLONEL JAMES ROBERTSON '^ TO GENERAL AMHERST. 

Sir 

In obedience to Your Commands I have Endeav- 
or'd to recollect all the Circumstances that came to 
my Notice relative to the Demand made for the Bil- 
letting Money of the Rhode Island Regiment in the 
Year 1757. 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., VL 331, 332 ; also Amherst's letter of August 4, Ibid., VI. 

333- 

2 Robertson was colonel of the 60th or Royal American regiment, and was made 
deputy quartermaster-general in 1758. In 1762 he went to Martinique, but returned 
to America and served through the Revolutionary War. In 1780 he received a royal 
commission as governor of New York. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 339 

I remember I Saw these Rolls at M' Appy's^ office 
in the Year 1758, As I was not then Employed in 
the Examination of these Papers, I cannot now Par- 
ticularize the Exceptions that were then Made to the 
Payment, the Claims were so totally Inadmissible, 
and the Errors so gross that MfAppy Show'd them 
to me as Curiosities. 

I Know Money was advanced by Mf Kilby at 
the Earl of Loudoun's desire, because I Stopt the 
Amount for My Kilby's Use out of a Subsequent 
Account, and I have some faint Notion that a fur- 
ther Advance was made by the Earl himself, but 
can't be positive as to this Last. 

These Accounts have been twice Lay'd before me, 
by Your Excellency's Order, with Billetting Rolls 
for Other Years, the last have all been Examined, 
and Satisfied, But these of 1757 have been by Your 
Directions returned. As the Services happened be- 
fore You Took the Command, and as You had no 
Access to be Informed of all the Circumstances rela- 
tive to them. 

I have the honor to be Sir, 

Your Excellency's Most Ob! and 

most humble Serv* 

James Robertson 

New York, 15')' Septem: 1762. 

To His Excellency Sir Jeffrey Amherst. 

1 John Appy, who was secretary to General Abercrombie and to General Amherst. 



340 Correspondence of the 

CAPTAIN CORNELL 1 TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Albany the 20 September 1762. 
May it Plese the Honourble Governer, 

I take the Libity of informing the Governer that I 
have Arivid in albany in 8 days from Rhode Island, 
I also take the Libity of informing his honour the 
Governer that I am Like to Be detaind heer in town 
for this ten Days By Reason of mr Davis Beeing 
from home at Canderhook. on my ARaivil I wrote 
him, and sent on, Express with it, and he sends me 
for anser that he Cant Com home untill Next Sat- 
terday and that he Dose Not Know Wair he Can fur- 
nish me with money to Reinlist those men with or 
Not, I am Afraid that my Being Detaind heer will 
Be of hurt to my Recruting and Likewise to the 
Government A Boot furnishing their men. how Ever, 
as soon as I Git money I shall Sett out with the 
Gratest Expidision for fort stanwix and I shall yoose 
my utmost indevers to Git what men I Can, altho I 
am Afraid that the Government has Given me most 
too heard a task to Reinlist those men onely for 5 
Dollers A head in Cash, as I am vary shure that 
those soldiers would Not Be vary fond of taken 
Cloathing for parts of thir Bountys, for they Know 
that the Government is Obliged to Let them have 
what Cloase they want upon thir Wages. But how- 
ever I Shall youse my Best indeavors to Raise as 

1 George Cornell was appointed a second lieutenant in the Rhode Island regiment 
of 1759, and was stationed at Fort Stanwix through the spring of 1762. See his let- 
ter of April 14, in Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 312. In August he was made captain of the 
company at Stanwix, which was to be reenlisted for service until July, 1763. Ibid., 
VI. 332. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 341 

many as I Can with what provisions the Govern- 
ment has maid so soon as I Receive money from 
Mr Davis, But if the Government would be plese to 
A Low and order the other 5 Dollers to Be paid in 
Cash Which is the same Bountey, as what them sol- 
diers had that stayd the Last wintor, if the Govern- 
ment will Be plese to A Low that and will send the 
money time ANouhgt to my assistunce I will Be 
Bound to Reinlist all the men By the [time ?] Gov- 
ernm' has orderd 

May it Plese the Honourble Governer. 

I Dont find as the Government has maid Any 
provisions for A Doctor to Look after those men in 
Case any of them should prove sickly I there fore 
Dont know how to Conduct my self in this Afair 
and I should take it as A Pertickler favour and as 
A marke of frindship if his honour the Governer 
will Be so kind as to send me A Letter and orders 
how I Shall Conduct my self I am verry shure if the 
Regular Doctors are imployd, and ALowd to ask as 
much as they have A mind, they will take Care to Be 
Vary Exstravacant in thir Accompts/ 

I also have the pleasure of informing his honour 
the Govener that I wated upon his Excellency Sir 
Jffr Amherst with the Letter from his honour and 
Likewise from M"" Eaton, his Excellancy was vary 
fond of the soldiers which I Card him and sais he 
has not seen so many Good men this som time 

1 See Ward's letter of December 28, 1762, in Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 346. 



342 Correspondence of the 

I hope his honour the Governer will Be so kind as 
to write me, and permit me to stile my self 
Your Honours Ever FaithfuU Frind and 
vary Humble servant 

Geo : Cornell 
Cap* of the Rhodeislanders 

To the Honourble Samuel Ward Esq 
Governer of the Coloney of Rhodeisland 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Resp'^. Fr^. 

Foregoing is Duplicate of my last, since which 
the House of Commons has been pleased to Vote 
another sum of ^133,000 for the Provinces in North 
America to be Distributed according to their Active 
Vigour and Meritt as before. 

I have Exhibited a Memorial to the Lords of the 
Treasury for your Share of the Grant for 1761, 
but when they will think Proper to Distribute the 
same is totally uncertain as yet, and the more so 
as the Government has raised but little money this 
Year (in Comparison with the Levies of former 
Years) 

Peace was Proclaimed in our Streets a few days 
ago.^ Attempts are making for the Extension of the 
Excise Laws ^ which gives great Dissatisfaction to 
the Populace and is likely to meet with great Oppo- 

1 The Peace of Paris was signed February lo, 1763. 

3 The principal cause of dissatisfaction was a new tax on cider. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 343 

sition of which more may be seen in the Prints sent 
herewith 

I am with great regard to the Gentlemen of the 
General Assembly and thyself 

Their and Thy Assured Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 
Austin-Fryers. 26 March 1763 

To Samuel Ward Esq' 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island 
Newport 



GOVERNOR WARD TO JOSEPH SHERWOOD. 

Newport Rhode Island 6'.'' April 1763 
Sir 

I have had the Pleasure of receiving your Letter 
of the 31'.' July last ^ and am much Pleased with the 
Measures you have taken to obtain for this Colony a 
due Proportion of the Parliamentary Grant for the 
Year 1760 and hope they may have the desired 
Effect. I wrote to Sir Jeffery Amherst agreeable to 
your request for a Copy of the Returns of the Men 
actually raised by the Colonies in 1 760 and received 
for Answer that the Returns for 1760, 61, and 62 
were made out and would be transmitted to the 
Lords of the Treasury by the first Opportunity and 
that as their Lordships would undoubtedly be gov- 
erned by the Original a Copy was unnecessary, and 
as these Returns have or probably will very soon ar- 
rive I must desire you to take all Proper measures 

1 See p. 331. 



344 Correspondence of the 

to get this Governments full share of the ^loooo of 
the Grant made in the Year 1 760 still to be distrib- 
uted and also of all the other Grants made to the 
Colonies as soon as possible. The General Treasurer 
was directed to draw Bills on You for the Money 
which you had received for 1 760 which I doubt not 
but you will duly honor. 

John Temple ^ Esq*" Surveyor General of the North- 
ern District of America has demanded a Sum of 
Money of the Colony ^ which arose from the Sale of 
some forfeited Sugars and as the Government through 
a Multiplicity of important Business could not imme- 
diately examine into his Demand He acquainted me 
that he should write to the Lords of the Treasury to 
stop the Colonies Part of the Parliamentary Grants 
for 1760 and 61, Should any thing of this Kind be 
attempted You may assure their Lordships that the 
Government have not the least desire of prejudicing 
his Majesty's Revenue but have only received a Small 
Quantity of Sugars forfeited (in their Opinion) by 
the Statute of the 6*'' Year of the late King, to the 
Crown, for the Use of the Colony, and that when a 
State of the Case is sent Home which will be done 
as soon as possible I doubt not but their Lordships 
will Approve the Colonys Conduct. In the mean 
time as this little Government is now loaded with a 
Debt of upwards of Sixty Thousand Pounds Sterling 
incurred by a chearful and ready obedience to the 
Kings Commands and in Expectation of very con- 
siderable relief from the Parliament, I can't entertain 

1 Appointed February 12, 1761, with residence at Boston. 

2 See Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 342, 350. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Islmid 345 

the least Suspicion that the Lords of the Treasury- 
will frustrate the Gracious Intention of the King 
and Parliament in making those Grants upon the 
bare Suggestion of M' Temple especially when his 
whole Demand amounts to but about Three Hundred 
Pounds Sterling I deferred writing some Time in 
Hopes of receiving an Answer from you to my last 
but as I have never received any I now enclose you 
a Duplicate thereof and must desire you to write 
me as often as any thing occurs wherein the Colonys 
Interest is Concerned. And as our distress'd Cir- 
cumstances make it Absolutely Necessary that we 
should receive as soon as possible the full Benefit 
of the Parliamentary Grants I must recommend it to 
You to make Speedy and diligent Application for 
this Governments Proportion. M' John Hadwen by 
whom you'l receive this Dispatch is a Merchant of 
Reputation of this Town and as he is a most worthy 
and Honest Gentleman any Civilities you may show 
him I shall esteem as a Favor 

I am with much Regard Sir 

Your most obed' Hble Serv' 

Sam Ward 

P S. The Company of Sixty four Men mentioned 
in my last were very seasonably raised and Compleated 
and are now upon Duty at Fort Stanwix. I wrote 
you of the 6'.^ Aug'* last and also transmitted you a 
Duplicate thereof As those Letters may have mis- 
carried I think it proper to inform you that this Col- 
ony voted the same Number of Men to be raised the 
present Year as the last and that the whole Number 
excepting about Twenty Men were actually raised 



346 Correspondence of the 

and did arrive at the Place of their Destination sea- 
sonably and much to the satisfaction of Gen! Am- 
herst excepting about Fifty or Sixty who were sick 
or deserted ^ 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Esteemed Fr'f 

At the time of making the Distribution of the 
Parliamentary Grant for 1760 General Amherst had 
sent no return of the Troops Levied and raised by 
the respective Provinces for that Year and several of 
us who thought our Colonies had Exerted themselves 
beyond some of the others objected to a Distribu- 
tion exactly Conformable to that made in the Year 
1759, Whereupon the Lords of the Treasury came 
to a Resolution that unless the Agents would agree 
among themselves (in regard to such Distribution) 
the money should remain in the Treasury till the 
Arrival of the Generals Certificate which they De- 
termined to make the Rule of their Apportionment. 
At length the Agents agreed that the- Division 
should be as the preceeding under a Stipulation that 
in Case upon the Arrival of General Amherst's Cer- 
tificate any Inequalitys should appear the same 
should be made good out of the Grant for 1761. 
You will see by the Minutes that the Province of 
Pensylvania received more than it's due Share of 
that Grant and that it is Indebted to several of the 
Colonies and among others to Rhode Island in the 

1 See notes to letter of August 6, 1762. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 347 

sum of One Thousand Nine Hundred and ten 
Pounds three Shillings but they, having no money to 
receive, have given these Acknowledgments to the 
respective Agents, to send to their Colonies, in Order 
for them to apply to the Province of Pennsylvania 
for payment of that money and for which purpose I 
Send the Inclosed to thee, not doubting but upon 
due Application the same will be Complied with.* 
As to the ^10,000 which was kept back at the Trea- 
sury it remains Undistributed, and when that, or the 
Grant for 1761 will be Distributed Remains yet un- 
certain. I am with great regard to thyself and the 
Gent of the General Assembly 

Their and Thy Ass^ Frf 

Joseph Sherwood, 

21'' May 1763. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Gent. 

Foregoing is Duplicate of my last to Governor 
Ward and herewith I send a Notarial Copy of the 
Minutes of the Agents therein ment? 

As to the Affair of the Reimbursement of Ex- 
pences in 1756 which is mentioned to me again,^ I 
Informed the Colony long ago of the Report made 
on my Petition by the Pay Master Gen', and Secre- 
tary at Warr and sent a Copy thereof ^ and another 
Copy I have now sent herewith 

1 See letter of Governor Hamilton of Pennsylvania, of October 3, 1 763. 

2 See Ward's letter of August 6, 1762. 

8 See letter of January 31, 1761, and enclosure. 



348 Correspondence of the 

If the Colony Expects me to Revive that applica- 
tion they must send me (if they are able) such 
Vouchers as seem to be required and also the Partic- 
ulars of the last Article of Land Transportation and 
an Acco! of the Remaining Stores And wh^[ther] 
they were delivered to the King's Magazines and if 
so the Receipt of the King's Officer for the same 
ought to be sent. 

The Objections appearing on the Face of the Re- 
port are of such Weight as to carry an Absolute 
Negative and untill they are Removed and some of 
the Items Omitted such as Coffee Tea Hams and 
Sugar a Reimbursement can never be Obtained. 

Upon the whole if you will send me Accts cleared 
(as much as can be) of these Objections I will use 
my utmost Endeavours to procure a Reimbursem! but 
the Negative already passed is Conclusive untill 
these Objections are Removed and if anything is 
done in this Affair it must be with the utmost Ex- 
pedition as the length of Time will be Objected 
to us. 

I some time ago got from the Treasury Copys of 
the return of Gen! Amherst, that for 1760 is In- 
cluded in the Minutes ^ and I have sent a Copy of 
that for 1761.^ I am with the utmost respect to the 
Govy and the Gen' Assembly. 

Their Obliged Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

8'? June 1763 

To The Governor and Company of the Colony of 
Rhode-Island 

1 The minutes are not in the archives. ^ See enclosure. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 349 



[Enclosure.] 

Sir Jeffrey Amhersfs Certificate of the Number of Troops furnished 
by the Froviftces in North America in the Year lydi. 

Return of the Troops flemished by the several Provinces in North 
America p'or the Public Service in the Year iy6i. 



Provinces Number of Men Number of Men Of which there 
or Voted to be levyed Actually raised and remained during 
Colonies Cloathed and paid took the Field the Winter 


New Hampshire 
Massachusetts B 
Rhode Island 
Connecticutt . 
New York . . 
New Jersey . 
Pensylvania . 
Maryland . . 
Virginia . . 
North Carolina 
South Carolina 


ay 




534 
3220 

666 
2300 
1787 

600 






438 
2637 

395 

2000 

1547 
554 






51 
591 

64 
323 
173 

64 








1000 
500 


1000 
225 























These are to Certify The right Honorable the Lords Com- 
missioners of his Majesty's Treasury, that the above is a true 
State of the respective Quota's of Men raised by the several 
Provinces on the Continent of North America, in Consequence 
of his Majestys Requisition, for the service of the Year 1761, as 
nearly as the Numbers can be Ascertained, from the Straggling 
manner in which the Provincials Generally take the Field, The 
Province of South Carolina did make Provision for raising One 
Thousand Men, for the Expedition against the Cherokees under 
the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Grant, of which there were 
upwards of Five Hundred raised and actually took the Field, 
exclusive of the Corps of Rangers kept in the pay of the Province 
and principally employed in Escorting Provisions &c to the Army 
and Out Posts 

Jeff. Amherst 



350 Correspondence of the 



CAPTAIN CORNELL TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS.^ 

May it please the Governer 

I doubt not but the Generel has Inform'd you of 
the same Orders, as he has sent to me Concerning 
the Troops being kept this Summer for Service of 
this Garrison.^ 

I have Advenc'd to each Man Ten Dollars as 
Bounty in Cloaths out of the Colony's Store as the 
Men were all Naked. 

I shall take all Precaution as far as in my Power 
lays and agreeable to my Orders from General Am- 
herst to keep the Men Untill I Receive your further 
Orders which I shall expect Immediatly 

I, am, Sir, your most Humble Servant 

Geo : Cornell 

Fort Stanwix 24^'' June 1763 

To the Honble Governer Hopkins Esqr 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Resp'^ Fr'' 

Sir Jeffery Amherst has made his return whereby 
he Certifies that the Colony sent into the Field for 
the Service of the Year 1761 only Three Hundred 
and Ninety Five Men. We are making Applica- 
tion to the Treasury for a Distribution of the Par- 
liamentary Grant for that Year But have received 

1 Hopkins was elected governor in May, after a stormy canvass. 

2 See Amherst's letter of June 17, 1763; and Cornell's Memorial to the Assembly, 
Col. Rec. ofR. /., VI. 364, 365. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 351 

no Encouragement to expect that it will be soon 
Distributed which is owing to the want of Cash in 
the Treasury as a very small Sum was raised last 
Year in Comparison with the Preceeding Levies. 

I know of nothing here that relates to the Colony 
and for Publick News with us I Inclose the Prints 
of which I desire thy favourable Acceptance and am 
Thy Assf respectfull Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

Austin-Fryers. 7"' July 1 763. 
To Steph^ Hopkins Esqr 

Govy of the Colony of Rhode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations in America 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Esteemed Friend. 

I have not had the Pleasure of a Line from thee 
since the last Sessions. 

In relation to the Affair of the ^10,000 mentioned 
in my last/ It Appearing that a great Number of 
Troops were supplyed by the Government of Massa- 
chusetts Bay for Garrison Service, the Agents agreed 
among themselves to allow the said Province ^3000 
out of the said ^10,000 (the Share of the Massa- 
chusets in the said ^10,000 being Included therein), 
this was thought a very good Compromise as there 
was great reason to beleive the Lords of the Treasury 
would have Allowed them the whole if the matter 
had been Litigated 

1 See letter of August 4, 1763, in Col. Bee. of R. /., VI. 368. 



352 Correspondence of the 

The Treasury Board is now under an Adjourn- 
ment but will meet again in about a fortnight, and we 
hope for a Distribution of the Grant for 1761 soon 
after. 

By the decease of the Earl of Egremont one of 
the Principal Secretarys of State great Alterations 
in the Capital Appointments have been and are ex- 
pected, but the Interest of the two Powerfull Con- 
tending Parties is so nearly equal that neither has 
yet Prevailed, the Earl of Sandwich is appointed 
Secretary of State but most People think it is only 
to supply the present Vacancy, and that he will not 
continue long in his Office, but that a Revolution in 
Politicks will Ensue.^ 

I have had Intelligence that the West Indian Trad- 
ers are forming a Scheme to prevent or Abridge 
the Trade of the American Colonies To the French 
Islands which they will Endeavour to carry into Exe- 
cution next Sessions of Parliament, I shall keep a 
Vigilant look out and whenever any thing of that 
kind is Attempted will spare no Pains nor Appli- 
cation to prevent it. I am with great respect 

Thy Ass^ Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

12'.'' Septy 1763 

To Stephen Hopkins Esql" 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island at Provi- 
dence 



1 George Grenville, who became First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the 
Exchequer on April 8, 1763, was for the next two years the dominant influence in Eng- 
lish politics. Halifax became Secretary for the Colonies. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Islmid 353 

GOVERNOR HAMILTON ^ TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Philad* Oct! 3? 1763. 
Sir^ 

I have received the favour of your letters of the 
20''' of Sept',^ inclosing an authenticated Copy, of 
the transactions of the several Agents of the North- 
ern Colonies, touching the distribution of the Par- 
liamentary Grant for the Year 1760; by which it 
appears, that Pennsylv^ hath received considerably 
more than her just proportion of the s^ Grant, and 
in particular, the Sum of ^1910.3. sterling which of 
right belonged to Rhode Island, and which, it was 
agreed by the said Agents, ought to be repaid to 
that Colony. 

Having, as you rightly judge, received an Account 
of this affair from Our Agents in England, I failed 
not to communicate it to the Assembly, at their last 
sitting about a fortnight ago : desiring them, at the 
same time, to make provision for the speedy repay- 
ments, to the other Colonies, of the Monies We had 
received belonging to them : and this, I doubt not, 
they would have done, but that it was only a few 
days before their dissolution, and at a season, when 
they rarely enter upon the Consideration of any 
other business than the settlement of their Publick 
Accounts. 

Being anxious to have this debt, with the others 
contracted on the same account, honorably discharged, 
I have spoken to several of the Principal Members 

1 Hamilton was governor of Pennsylvania from 1760 to 1763. 

2 See instructions of the Assembly (Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 365), and Sherwood's 
letter of May 21, 1763. 

VOL. II. 



354 Correspondence of the 

of our assembly respecting it: And as they all ac- 
knowledged the justice of the demand, I make no 
question, but that, at their next meeting for dis- 
patch of business, in Decemr or Januery, they will 
make effectual Provision for the discharge of the 
whole, to which I shall gladly contribute my assist- 
ance/ 

I am with much respect Sir 
Your most Obedient and most humble Servant 

James Hamilton 

Honorable Governor Hopkins 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Esteemed Fr^. 

I received thy Favour of ^^ August,^ and had a 
Considerable time before sent a Copy of the return 
of Gen? Amherst for the Year 1761, by which it 
appears that our Colony both for Summer and Win- 
ter Service raised only 459 Men, I have Inclosed 
another Copy of the same return ; upon which the 
Lords of the Treasury have Allotted ^6082 to Rhode 
Island, being our full Proportion, according to that 
return with the rest of the Provinces ; the money is 
not yet Issued but we Expect it soon, the Instant I 
receive it will send you Notice. 

1 The Council of Pennsylvania passed an act for the payment of £10,947 to the dif- 
ferent colonies who had presented claims similar to those of Rhode Island. The 
House did not concur because, although the money remained undrawn, it had been 
" appropriated to the King's use." Penn. Col. Rec.^ IX. 125. 

2 Not in the archives. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 355 

I don't apprehend you will meet with any Diffi- 
culty in the Reimbursement from Pennsylvania,^ as 
to the Connecticutt Overplus I expect to receive it 
here. 

I so lately received the Papers relating [to] the 
Sloop Kinnicut that I have nothing materially to say 
thereon, per this Conveyance except that I shall use 
my utmost Endeavours to obtain Justice, and write 
the Partys per next Oppurtunity.^ 

The Parliament meet about the middle of next 
Month, in which we Expect several matters to be 
moved relating to the Colonies. 

You will have heard that a new Collector is Ap- 
pointed for Newport, the sole reason is a late Reso- 
lution which the Lords of the Treasury and Commis- 
sioners of the Customs have come into, that every 
Collector shall reside on his Benefice.^ I am with 
great regard 

Thy respectfuU Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

Austin-Fryers. 31 1' Oct: 1763. 

To The Gov' and Company of the Colony of 
Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations in 
New-England in America. 

1 See note to preceding letter. 

2 This sloop was carried into Trinidad by Spaniards and condemned as a prize, after 
the cessation of hostilities. For the particulars, see Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 437. 

3 John Robinson of Newport was appointed collector and surveyor for Rhode Island 
in the place of one Thomas Clift, who was removed because he was not a resident of 
the colony. Arnold, Rhode Island, II. 246. 



356 Correspondence of the 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Esteemed Fr'^ 

I yesterday received at the Pay Office ;^4o82.6* 
and this day ;!^2000 more in Exchequer Bills which 
I have disposed of, being your Proportion of the 
grant for 1761 as ment^ before. 

I have Inclosed my Account which together with 
my first Account I hope will be Settled and Ap- 
proved, of which I shall be glad to Receive Advise 
and cannot Conceive what delays the same. I have 
not time to add at present but that I am with great 
regard to thyself and the Gent of the General As- 
sembly Their and 

Thy respectfull Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood. 

25'? Nov! 1763. 

To Steph^ Hopkins Esq! 



BILL OF EXCHANGE.! 

London 28'." Nov! 1763. 
Exchange for ;^ioo Ster : 

Gent. 

Sixty days after sight of this my second Bill of 
Exchange (first and third of same Tenor and date 
not being paid) Pay to Joseph Clark Esq' General 
Treasurer of the Colony of Rhode Island or to the 
Treasurer of the said Colony for the time being or 
his Order One Hundred Pounds Sterling in a good 

1 Sent by Sherwood to Hopkins. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 357 

Bill or Bills of Exchange or in Gold or Silver equal 
thereto with or without further Advice from 

Yf respectfull Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood. 
To Dan^ and John Jencks ) 
Merch*f at Providence j 

To Steph^ Hopkins Esqf These. 



GOVERNOR HOPKINS TO THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY OF 

NEWPORT. 

To the Sheriff of the County of Newport, or to His 

Deputy Greeting 

Whereas Application hath been made to me, by 
most of the principal Merchants and Traders of this 
Colony, and many others of considerable Note, pray- 
ing that the General Assembly might be called to- 
gether as soon as conveniently may be, in order to 
take into Consideration the State of the Commerce 
of the Northern Colonies ; and, in Conjunction with 
them, to take such measures, and give such Orders 
and Directions to our Agents in Great Britain, as 
may, if possible, remove the Burthens which the 
Trade of these Colonies now labors under, and to 
prevent any new Impositions from taking Place,^ 
And Whereas I have rec^ a Letter from His Excel- 
lency Thomas Gage Esqr General, and Commander 
in Chief of all His Majesty's Forces in North Amer- 

1 See the vote of the Assembly and the Remonstrance addressed to the Lords of 
Trade, in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI, 37S. 



358 Correspondence of the 

ica,* requesting this Colony to raise two Hundred 
effective Soldiers, to be employed against the Indian 
Enemies the next Campaign, and that the Troops may 
be ready and take the Field by the first of March 
next: For these Considerations I have ordered the 
General Assembly to be called together. 

You are therefore commanded in His Majesty's 
Name George the third by the Grace of God, King 
of Great Britain &c. and to warn and to give Notice 
to every Member of the General Assembly within 
your County, that they meet at the Court House in 
South Kingstown on Tuesday the 24*.^ Day of Janu- 
ary instant at three of the Clock in the afternoon 
then and there to Sit in General Assembly, to take 
into Consideration the Matters aforesaid, or trans- 
act any other Business which may be laid before 
them. 

Whereof fail not and make true Return of your 
Doings to said Assembly. 

Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms, at 
Providence this \'f^ Day of January in the 
4'.^ Year of His said Majesty's Reign 1 764. 

Step Hopkins Gov' 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 376. Rhode Island did not raise the troops 
requested. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 359 



Newport Janu^ 17: 1764 

I have Notified and warned according to Law the 

Following Members of the Honol^ General Assembly 

Viz his Honor John Gardner Esq Dep Govf 

James Honyman Esq Ass* 

Cap° Gidion Wanton Jnf Dep? 

Cap" William Reed . D'' 

Cap" John Wanton . d° 

at the town J Cap" Daniel Arrault . D° 

of Newport | M"" George Hassard-D° 

M' Benj" Green-D° 

Henry Ward Esqf-Secretary 

Augustus Johnson Esq Att^ Gener*^ 

at JamesTown Viz 

, ^ ( Cap" John Gardner Dep^ 

Jamestown | ^^^^^^ ^^^,^^^ ^^ 

To Give their Attendance at the time and 
Within Mentioned 

W Hammond. D Sheriff 



THOMAS RICHARDSON TO JOSEPH CLARKE.^ 

Philad"^ Octo! 27. 1764 
Esteemd Friend Joseph Clarke 

I wrote thee of this Date and per Post advising I 
had shipd the Money in my hands belonging to the 
Colony of Rh^ Island^ per Cap* Earle that thou 
mought if necessary get it ensurd. This serves to 

1 Treasurer of the colony of Rhode Island. 

2 See Governor Hamilton's letter of October 3, 1763. 



£;; 



360 Correspondence of the 

Cover my Acco* with the Voucher for Money Paid 
[illegible] Doan and Cap* Earles Bill of Ladeing for 
the Ballance being ;^7o6.io.2^ which I wish safe 
to hand and desire Shoud please to give my Bro- 
ther W" Richardson on Receiving the above sum 
from Cap* Earle a Re* in full in which thou'I much 
Oblige 

Thy Assured and Ready Friend 

Tho Richardson 

Endorsed: Thos Richardson to Jos. Clarke. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Esteemed Frie^ 

I wrote thee the 9'^ Inst.* fully, and now Inclose 
the Resolves mentioned therein, Petitions from the 
Assemblys of Virginia and Connecticut were pre- 
sented to the House of Commons but they were 
Rejected, and not one permitted to be brought up to 
the Table it being Contrary to the Rule and Estab- 
lished Practice of the House to receive Petitions 
against a Money Bill;^ several Members of the 
House Stood forth as the Advocates of the Colonys, 
but were Unable to render them any Effectual Ser- 
vices, the Bill has been read a third Time and will 
very Soon pass into a Law ; I am sorry to be a Mes- 

1 Not in the archives. 

2 The Stamp Act, passed in March, 1765. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 361 

senger of News so Disagreeable to the Colonys as I 
fear this Will be, I am with Regard 

Thy Respectful Fri*^. 

Joseph Sherwood 

23* February 1765 

To Stephen Hopkins Esqr 

Govr of the Colony of Rhode-Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations in 

New-England in America. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF 
RHODE ISLAND. 

Esteemed Fr^ 

I wrote at large the 9^'' and 23^ Feb7 The Papers 
and Letters and also the Address to the King has 
been delivered to the Secretary of State, that being 
the usual and proper Channel, I do not apprehend 
any Benefit can arise from Addressing the King on 
Affairs of Trade and Commerce ^ These Affairs are 
left to the Board of Trade and Parliament. 

The Merchants of London have used their Endea- 
vours to Alleviate some of your Burthens, they have 
Solicited for the Lowering of the Molasses Duty, 
for Abridging the Extensive Powers of the Courts 

1 A committee was appointed by the Assembly in July, 1764, to report upon the 
best means of securing a repeal of the Sugar Act of 1733, and of preventing the pas- 
sage of the Stamp Act. The result of their labors was a petition to the King in No- 
vember {Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 414), and a pamphlet by Hopkins, called The Rights 
of Colonies Examined. This was published in Providence in 1764 and 1765, and in 
London in 1766. It is printed in Col. Rec. ofR. I., VI. 416. See also Field, State of 
Rhode Island, I. 217, note. 



362 Correspondence of the 

of Vice Admiralty and for other Relief, but without 
Immediate Effect, as to the Pamphlets sent me I 
have Endeavoured to apply them usefully but the 
Act being passed before they came to hand, no Ben- 
efit could possibly arise from Reprinting it here, 
many Pamphlets have been Published here on the 
Occasion, I shall pay due regard to the Intimation 
respecting Extracting the Quintessence of the whole 
and Printing for the use of the Members, but that 
must be a Consideration for the next Year as it is 
too late to carry into Execution a scheme of this sort 
this Session. 

A Bill for Punishing Mutiny and Desertion in 
America is Carrying thro' the House, in which is con- 
tained a Cause Enabling the Justices, and in their 
default the Commanding Officer to Billet Soldiers in 
private Familys ^ many of the Members of the House 
oppose this measure as Arbitrary and Contrary to the 
natural Liberty of the Subject, I Beleive it will meet 
with a very warm opposition and I have Reason to 
hope it will be Rejected, I have taken some pains in 
this matter, and will Continue so to do, I am under 
Double Obligations to the Colony for their Confi- 
dence and good Opinion in this most interesting 
Season but I am not so Vain as to Insinuate that I 
can do anything Effectual towards preventing Mea- 
sures Resolved on by the Ministry. 

I can Confidently Assure you after a Strict In- 
quiry that no such Petition as you Mention has been 

1 This act required the colonists to furnish quarters, fire, candles, beds, vinegar, 
and salt for the troops residing among them. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 363 

presented to the Ministry or any of the Publick 
Boards I am with great Esteem 

Joseph Sherwood 

11'." April 1765. 

To The Governour and C? of the Colony of Rhode- 
Island. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Esteemed Fri 

Foregoing is Duplicate of my last, The Agents, 
with the Assistance of the Merchants of London, 
have made Strong and Vigorous Opposition, to the 
Unconstitutional and illegal Measure of Quartering 
Troops in Private Familys, as mentioned in the fore- 
going ; And it is Agreed by the Ministry, to leave 
out the Obnoxious and stinging part of the Bill, so 
that the Clause as it now stands is thus. 

The Civil Magistrates in the Colonys, are to 
Quarter the Troops in the Barracks if any, if there 
are no Barracks, in Publick Houses as here, and in 
Case there are not sufficient Convenience of Barracks 
and Publick Houses, the said Magistrates are to 
Hire Empty Houses and Barns &c to Quarter the 
Troops, but there is to be no Billetting in Private 
Houses.^ 

The Colonys are under great Obligations to the 
Merchants of London, for their Assistance and In- 
fluence in this most Important Attack, had it not 
been for their Aid, I do beleive the Measure would 

1 See note to preceding letter. 



364 Correspondence of the 

have been carried ; The Merchants in General seem 
Affected with the Complaints of the Colonys, and 
Determined to Assist them what they can, and I do 
hope further Relief and Ease will in some Measure 
be obtained by their means next Sessions. 

Complaints have been Exhibited against the Col- 
ony, in regard to its Treatment of one Lieut Hill, 
you already have, or will, receive an Order of Coun- 
cel, requesting an Answer to those Complaints, I do 
hope upon the Receipt you will give a speedy and 
full Answer, that no Imputation may arise from 
Neglect or delay on your side/ 

There is a Bill passing the House, Intitled an Act 
to Regulate the Trade of America, in which are 
contained several Alterations relating to Commerce, 
most of them I think in favour of the Colonys, as 
for Instance — The Restriction respecting Lumber is 
taken off; the Duty on Coffee Lowered; and a 
Bounty Granted on the Importation of America 
Timber,^ I shall send a more Particular Account of 
this Bill by the next Vessell. 

The House have under Consideration A Regency 
Bill to provide for the Government of the Nation in 
Case of the Kings Death, during the Minority of his 
Successor.^ 



1 The British schooner St. John, Lieutenant Thomas Hill commander, was attacked 
by a mob, in consequence of the seizure of a cargo of smuggled sugar. Two of the 
ship's men were taken prisoners, and the guns of Goat Island battery were turned 
upon the vessel. The Order in Council and papers enclosed therewith are in Col. 
Rec. of R. /., VI. 427-430. 

2 5 Geo. III.c. 45. 

8 This bill was passed in consequence of the King's serious illness in the preceding 
April, when symptoms appeared of that mental derangement to which he was after- 
wards subject. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 365 

I am with great regard to the Gent of the General 

Assembly and thyself. 

Their and Thy respectfull Frd. 

Joseph Sherwood 

Warnford Court Throgmorton Street 
2'* May 1765. 

To The Governor and Company of the Colony of 
Rhode-Island 



GOVERNOR WARD ^ TO JOSEPH SHERWOOD. 

Newport 28'? June 1765 

Sir 

Your Favor of the 2"'^ of last Month ^ with a Du- 
plicate of a former Letter and some News Papers I 
have received by Cap' Carmar 

The vigorous Opposition made by You and the 
other Agents to the intolerable Measure of quarter- 
ing Troops in private Families must give a general 
Satisfaction to the Colonies and We shall ever look 
upon ourselves under the Strongest obligations to 
the Merchants of London for their generous Assist- 
ance upon this important Occasion, their Opposition 
to this unconstitutional Measure was truly noble and 
patriotic and Time I believe will evince that it is 
the true Interest of Great Britain in General and of 
the Merchants in particular to have the Liberties 
and Privileges of the Northern Colonies continued 

1 Hopkins was elected governor in 1 763 and 1 764, in the latter year by a very narrow 
margin. In 1 765 the Ward faction triumphed, and since Newport was the stronghold 
of the Ward constituency, the moderation of the Assembly in dealing with the rioters 
may thereby be partly explained. 

2 See preceding letter. 



.lilUHjLIIJ, -L^^i^ ■ - >.,u 



366 Correspondence of the 

inviolate to the latest Posterity.^ Your Advice with 
Regard to the Affair with Lieut. Hill is just, but as it 
will require some Time to prepare a proper State of 
the Case, the general Assembly will not meet until 
the second Monday in September next, I cannot trans- 
mit an Answer 'till their Meeting but shall embrace 
the first Opportunity after that to return one.^ in the 
mean Time I have acknowledged by this Convey- 
ance the Receipt of his Majesty's royal Order and as- 
sured the Lords of Trade and Plantations that all due 
and ready Obedeince shall be paid to it, a Copy of 
my Letter to the Board I have enclosed herewith.^ 

Your Intelligince of the Act of regulating the 
Trade of America * I am obliged to You for and when- 
ever any Thing new and interesting is on the Carpet 
your Advising Us of it will be very agreable 

Under Cover with this You'l find a Duplicate of my 
last principally relative to the wished for Reimburse- 
ment of our Expences in 1756 And if any Thing 
can be obtained on that Account it will be extremely 
acceptable to the Government^ 

I am With great Regard Sir Your respectful 
Friend and humble Servant 

Sam: Ward 

Joseph Sherwood Esq^ 

Agent for the Colony of Rhode Island At Lon- 
don 

1 For an account of the position of the London merchants, see Lecky, England in 
the Eighteenth Century (ed. Appleton), IV. 84-86. 

2 In the September session the Assembly voted that since " sundry riots have been com- 
mitted in the town of Newport," the governor shall issue a proclamation for apprehend- 
ing the rioters, and shall " prevent any such riots for the future." Col. Rec. of R. I., 
VI. 451. 

8 This letter, of June 28, is in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 444. 

4 See preceding letter. 6 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 434. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 367 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Esteemed Fr^ 

I received thy favour of i f^ May, and intend to 
Answer it per next Oppurtunity it being Impossible 
for me to Embrace this. 

I give you Joy on the Revolution in the Ministry, 
I hope it will produce some real Benefit to the Dis- 
tressed Americans. 

The Duke of Grafton 1 are appointed Secretarys 
and General Conway j of State 
Earl of Winchelsea . . President of the Council 
Marquiss of Rockingham 
Will"" Dowdeswell 



John Cavendish 
Tho? Townsend 



Esq' 



Lords Commission- 
ers of the Treasury 



George Onslow j j 

and Will"" Dowdeswell Esqf is appointed Chancellor 

and Under Treasurer of the Exchequer. 

It is confidently Asserted these Changes will pro- 
duce great Ease to the Inhabitants of America ^ I 
am with great regard to the Gent of the Genl As- 
sembly and Thyself 

Their and thy Ass^ Frf 

Joseph Sherwood 

Warnford Court. Throgmorton Street. 
16'." July 1765. 

1 The American situation had no influence whatever upon Grenville's downfall. He 
failed to make himself acceptable to George HI., and was dismissed to make way for 
the short-lived Rockingham ministry. Conway was one of the few opponents of the 
Stamp Act in England. 



368 Correspondence of the 

GOVERNOR FAUQUIER^ TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

W^.^BURGH Aug?' S'l" 1765 

Sir, 

Soon after the Receipt of your Letter, some affairs 
of this Colony required that I should call a full 
Council ; at that board your Letter and the Deposi- 
tion of Mf Morris were read and considered. Some 
of the Members said that they knew Captain Thomas, 
who had been long in the Employ of Mr Newton of 
Norfolk,^ and that he was a Man who had always bore 
a very fair Character, and they were perswaded if I 
would lay the whole Affair before M! Newton that 
he would make enquiry into it, and that from the 
Knowledge they had of that Gentlemans Integrity, I 
might safely depend on what Information he should 
give me. I accordingly sent your Letter and other 
papers to Mr Newton: his, and Captain Thomass 
Answers to them, and my Letter sent with them, I 
have inclosed to you for your full Satisfaction,^ as to 
what has been transacted in this matter: and shall 
only observe upon them, that to me there appears an 
air of Truth and Candor throughout Capt" Thomas's 
Narrative, which is descriptive of the Character given 
him by some Gentlemen of the Council. I do not 
perceive that I can go any further in this Business on 
the footing it now stands ; for tho' Mr Morris's In- 
formation may be a ground work for a prosecution, 
it must fall, for want of Evidence. If you think his 
Answer not satisfactory, you may be assured I shall 
readily give you all the Assistance I can legally do, 

1 Fauquier was governor of Virginia from 1758 to 1768. 

2 See Newton's letter, p. 371. 8 See the two following documents. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 369 

to bring this Affair into daylight, It being a Duty I 
owe to his Majesty and consequently to all his Sub- 
jects. I am Sir 

Y' very hum : Serv! 

Fran : Fauquier 
To Sam^ Ward Esq' 



CAPTAIN THOMAS TO GOVERNOR FAUQUIER.^ 

Norfolk July 26'." 1765 
Sir. 

I am informed by My Thomas Newton that it is 
represented to you by some in the Northern Gov- 
ernment, that I Clandestinly or by force carried off 
several free men from the Coast of Africa at the 
time I was there in his Vessel. It gives me much 
concern that I should be accused of an Action that 
I shou'd Condemn in another, and that I did bring 
off one man which I believe might be free born I 
readily own, and at the same time I took him on 
Board was really to serve the Person without advan- 
tage to ray Owner. One Blackney of the Brigantine 
Catherina from the Island S* Thomas's^ had a man 
left on Board him as a pawn, and as he was going 
off the Coast before I could leave it which was about 
the first of May I gave him two Slaves for him, and 
as he pretended to be one of great Credit I did not 
in the least doubt but the Person who left him as a 
pledge for Goods received wou'd redeem him before 
I left the Coast, and that I did use my utmost En- 

1 Enclosed with Fauquier's letter of August 8, 1765. 

2 In the West Indies. 
VOL. 11. 



370 Correspondence of the 

deavours to get him of my hands is a real truth, but 
whether I was imposed on by the Captain, or that 
his friends wanted to get clear of him I am yet igno- 
rant off. Being in great distress for want of Pro- 
visions from the ill Treatment I received from some 
of the Natives who took from me sundry Merchan- 
dize and cou'd get nothing from them I made my 
Case known to King Peter who sent his son young 
Peter, second King of that Country on Board to see 
further into the particulars I had informed off, he 
voluntary left one of his Friends on board as a Secu- 
rity for his promise that he wou'd either Compel 
them to make Satisfaction or bring as many as he 
cou'd get and deliver them up as Spoilers of their 
Country ; accordingly on or about the 27'!" April 1763 
he brought off three men tyed and delivered them 
according to their Custom as Slaves and he together 
with Robert Gray, (who both before and after) I had 
Considerable dealings with put them in Irons, from 
[that] time to June 3^ I traded without being mo- 
lested, my Boat being every day a shore and often 
myself in her, and Endeavoured to get them redeemed 
as my Officers can Testifie were they here, but so far 
from getting clear of them that the Natives abused 
them every time they came to trade. This Sir is a 
faithful account of the whole Affair and that I was 
justifyable as it is commonly practised, other Vessels 
having the Natives on Board on the same footing. 
I am Sir 

Your most obed! Hble Serv* 

Charles Thomas 

To The Hon''!^ Francis Fauquier Esqr 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Isla^id 371 

THOMAS NEWTON AND CO. TO GOVERNOR FAUQUIER.^ 

Norfolk July 27'.'' 1765 
Sir. 

Your favour of the 22^ Instant I rec^, also Mr 
Ward's Letter and Mr Owin Morris's Deposition 
setting forth that Capt : Charles Thomas brought 
from the Coast of Guinea several free Negroes, 
Capt : Thomas sailed from Virginia in Sloop belong- 
ing to Mess"? Sparling Bolding and self, sometime 
in November Seventeen hundred and sixty two, he 
arrived here with his Slaves in October 1763, soon 
after went up James river and there sold them, which 
is all we know of the matter. Capt : Thomas is in 
Town shall desire him to inform your Honour more 
fully of the Charge against him, we shall be very 
sorry that any person or Persons should suffer by 
his disconduct, we are Sir 

Your most humble Serv* 

Thomas Newton and C° 

To The Hon''!^ Francis Fauquier Esq!" 



THE LORDS OF TRADE TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY 
OF RHODE ISLAND. 

Whitehall August 23. 1765. 

Gentlemen^ 

His Majesty having appointed us His Commis- 
sioners for promoting the Trade of this Kingdom, and 
for inspecting and improving His Majesty's foreign 

1 Enclosed with letter of August 8, 1765. 



372 Correspondence of the 

Colonies and Plantations, it is our Duty to acquaint 
you therewith, and to desire, that you will, from time 
to time by every Opportunity that offers, transmit to 
us an exact and faithful Account of all Occurrences 
within the Colony under your Government. 
We are. Gentlemen, 

Your most humble Servants, 

Dartmouth 
John Roberts. 
J. Dyson 

W¥ FiTZHERBERT 

Govy and Company of Rhode Island. 



GOVERNOR WARD TO MESSRS. JOHN ROBINSON^ AND JOHN 

NIC0LL.2 

Newport 29'" Oct' 1765 
Gentlemen 

Your Favor of the 23'* Instant^ is now before me 
and I heartily wish it was in my Power to propose 
some Measures which would effectually promote the 
Kings Service and the Trade of this Port, the de- 
clining and unhappy State of which gives me and 
every Person who has the Welfare of this Colony 
at Heart the greatest Concern But as I have no par- 
ticular Instructions from the Crown I can at present, 

1 Collector of customs at Newport. 

2 Comptroller at Newport. These officers, and Nicholas Lechmere, searcher of cus- 
toms, closed the custom-house and went on board the British ship Cygnet^ which lay 
in the harbor, in order to ensure their personal safety, so excited was the popular feel- 
ing against the King's officers. Their correspondence with the Rhode Island govern- 
ment upon the situation is in Col. Rec.of R. /., VI. 453-457- 

3 Not in the archives. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 373 

Gentlemen, only recommend to you to be as easy 
and favorable in Your respective Offices to the Trade 
and Navigation of the Colony in the present embar- 
rassed situation of affairs as your Duty to the Crown 
will admit, this I think must be for his Majesty's 
Service the Interest of the King and his Subjects 
being invariably the same and this in my Opinion 
will give such General Satisfaction to the Inhab- 
itants of the Colony that you will meet with no man- 
ner of Interruption in the Execution of your Duty. 
But should any Person or Persons contrary to my 
Expectation be so hardy as to offer any Violence to 
the Persons of his Maj^.' Officers of the Customs or 
the Custom House, You may be assured Gentlemen, 
that I shall immediately and vigorously exert all the 
authority with which I am by Law vested for the 
Perservation of the Custom House and the Protection 
of your Persons and shall at all Times afford all due 
Support in the Execution of your Duty 
I am with due Regard Gentlemen 

Your most humble Servant 

S. W. 
John Robinson and John Nicoll Esqr 



governor ward to the lords of the treasury. 

Newport on Rhode Island 
21'.' Nov! 1 765. 
My Lords 

I have the Honor of your Lordships Directions 
of the 14!'' Sep! last transmitted to me by M'. Mel- 



374 Correspondence of the 

lish^ who also inclosed me a Copy of an Extract of 
a Letter from the Collector and Comptroller of this 
Colony both which I shall lay before the General 
Assembly at their next Session when I doubt not 
but just measures will be taken relative thereto as 
will be entirely satisfactory to your Lordships 

I have the Honor to be 

With great Truth and Regard My Lords 

Your Lordships Most obedient humble Servant 

Sam Ward. 

Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners of his 
Maj? Treasury. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Esteemed Fr^ 

I am now to Answer thy Favour of 1 7* May 1 765 
respecting the Reimbursement for 1756;^ about the 
Year 1761, I sent to the Colony a Report of the Pay 
Master General and Secretary at War upon this 
Account,^ and which containing many Objections 
their Lordships then refused to permitt me to Ap- 
ply to Parliament, you will see by these Papers that 
there are many Articles contained in this Account 
which the Crown never Engaged to Reimburse. 

I have preferred my Petition again to the Lords of 
the Treasury, upon the Ground of Striking out the 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 457, 458. Bartlett says that the matter was 
referred to a committee of the Assembly, who reported on it in October, 1 767, and 
prints their report {Ibid., VI. 459). See for the notes of reference, Ibid., VI. 481, 521. 

2 See Col. Rec. of R. /,, VI. 434. 3 See p. 313. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 375 

Exceptionable Articles rather than loose the whole, 
This Memorial has been Considered by the Board, 
and I have been heard thereupon before them, and 
their Lordships were pleased to send the same again 
to the Pay Master General and Secretary at War, and 
I must if I am able clear up the Objections before 
them, and if I can get a favourable Report it is likely 
we shall obtain the money, I shall use my Utmost 
Endeavours for Success, and Advise so soon as I can 
get their Report. 

The Merchants of London have Associated, and 
Appointed a Committee to render all the Services 
they can to America during the present Sessions ; 
The Parliament met about three Weeks ago, and 
after sitting two or three days Adjourned to the 14''' 
Instant, much was said in the House relating to 
America, but no Resolutions were come to, many of 
the present Ministry having Vacated their Seats by 
Accepting Places, these matters were Postponed till 
their ReElection, and it is Expected that the Parlia- 
ment will Immediately on their Meeting take the 
Situation of America into their Consideration and 
apply some Emollients. 

The Joint Petition of the Congress Commissioners, 
is come to the Agent specially Appointed by the 
Massachusetts Assembly.^ It is Expected the Amer- 
ican Business will be brought on very soon, I shall 
Advise as any thing Occurrs and am with great 

1 The addresses to the King and the two Houses of Parliament are given in Hutch- 
inson, Massachusetts Bay, III. 479-487. 



376 Correspondence of the 

regard to thy self and the Gent of the Gen! Assem- 
bly their, and thy respectfull Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

Warnford Court Throgmorton Street 
1 1 '."Jan: 1766. 

To Samuel Ward Esq!" 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island 



JOHN ROBINSON AND JOHN NICOLL TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Custom House 22* February 1766 

Siry 

The Brig : Wainscott and Sloop Nelly having 
been seized at Providence in March 1765 by the 
Comptroller and M"" Jenkins Lieu* of the Maidstone/ 
by the especial Direction of the Surveyor General ; 
These Gentlemen and the Collector, apprehending 
they would meet with Difficulty in producing Proofs 
against them upon Tryall, directed the Advocate of 
the Court of Admiralty to procure an order of Court 
for Examination of Witnesses on Interrogatories be- 
fore the Register, which is the practice of all such 
Courts, in most Cases, and especially those of any 
Intricacy ; and this Course is the more necessary to 
be followed, where there is a Likelihood of a Litiga- 
tion and of an Appeal from the decree, as the Depo- 
sitions cannot without be so properly transmitted 
Home. But the end of such Measure in this partic- 
ular Case was to guard against any bad Consequences 

1 See the account of the case sent to the Lords of the Treasury in June, 1765, in 
Col.Rec.ofR.I.,V\.i,i%. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 2)17 

to the King's Service from the Witnesses Non At- 
tendance according to Summons on a fixed Day. 

Some little Time having been spent in a Necessary- 
correspondence with the Surveyor General on the 
Subject, and the Advocate having promised to ob- 
serve our Directions, we were soon after, to our great 
Surprise, informed that the Judge had Appointed 
the Thursday following to try the Vessels at Provi- 
dence (of which we had only three Days Notice) 
without the least regard to the Measure that we 
deemed so essential to the safety of the Revenue. 

We were much disconcerted by this Resolution of 
the Judge, and delivered to the Advocate our Senti- 
ments thereof, which are contained in the following 
Letter. 

Custom House io March 1765. 
Sir 

We are not a little Surprized to find that the Trials of the 
Wainscot and Nelly comes on next Thursday, at a Court of Ad- 
miralty at Providence, notwithstanding it was our Request to you 
that there should be an Adjournment of it so as to have an 
Opportunity of examining Witnesses in behalf of the Crown on 
proper Interrogatories. You can't suppose it possible for us, in 
the space of three Days, to procure proper proofs to Support 
these Suits ; And we must Desire of you to Urge the Necessity 
of an Adjournment of the Court for at least a Fortnight to this 
Town, and in case of a Refusal we must beg you to do all you 
can on the part of the Crown 

We are &c J. R. Collector 

J. N. Comptroller 

J. HONEYMAN Esql" 

If the Court would not pursue the plan we at first 
Proposed, we little doubted of its Adjournment for 
a Fortnight ; but even in this we were deceived, for 



378 Correspondence of the 

the Advocate having made such a Motion, the Court 
was Adjourned only for a Week, of which we had 
still but two or three Days Advice ; And we were 
afterwards informed by the Advocate that this Ad- 
journment, was owing to the Register and Marshall's 
Not Attending, and of Course the Non Return of 
the process by the Latter. 

Finding the Court peremptorily determined to 
proceed, and that we had no Alternative left, but to 
wait, under all those Disadvantages, the Judges plea- 
sure. We Applyed to the Advocate to attend the 
Trial, which he Absolutely Declined for Reasons 
known only to himself And therefore the Comptroller 
was Obliged to go to Providence to stand his own 
Advocate, A Process was issued out to summon sev- 
eral Persons as Evidence against both Vessels, but 
the same was return'd unexecuted, the Witnesses be- 
ing not to be found, and the Judge, notwithstanding, 
pronounced his Decree, by which both were Ac- 
quitted, and our attempts to do our Duty entirely 
baffled. This was the Consequence that we Appre- 
hended, nay dreaded, and this induced us to propose 
the other Method of obtaining Testimony as a pre- 
caution to avoid it. We are far from meaning to 
intermeddle with any Thing that may be in the Pro- 
vince of the Court of Admiralty ; But we may with- 
out presumption, nay we are Obliged in Duty to 
represent to our Superiors, any Conduct that in our 
Judgement Affects the Revenue, which in this Port 
is committed to our Care and Management. If the 
Judge considered that there was any unnecessary 
Delay attending these prosecutions, on the part of 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 379 

the Crown, a Writ of Delivery, would have effectually 
removed such a Grievance and given Satisfaction to 
all parties 

The holding of Courts of Justice at no Stated 
Times and places, has been often a Complaint on the 
side of the Subject — we are now, and what is more 
extraordinary, on the part of the Crown, obliged to 
mention it as an Inconveniency that we have laboured 
under in every Instance when we have had any Busi- 
ness before the Court. Though the Judge possibly, 
may discretionally Act his Own pleasure, as well as 
to Time as place; Yet we conceive that was the 
Court held in Newport, the Capital of the Colony, 
and at certain fixed Days, it would be more proper, 
than to hold it at his own House, in the Woods, or 
any other less private place, and at any hour of any 
Day in the Year. 

We have thought proper to be thus minute in 
Acquainting you with the Circumstances of this 
Affair, and we esteem it necessary to give you a brief 
Account of the Conduct of the Court in every other 
matter that we brought before it, as it is from thence 
that we found our Opinion of its partiality. There- 
fore 

First — Upon a prosecution of ten Hogsheads of 
Molasses in May or June 1764, the Court admitted a 
Claim to answer Costs without taking a Security, as 
required by Act of Parliament ; and the Claim being 
withdrawn the Cost was paid out of the condemned 
Goods to the prejudice of the Crown and prose- 
cutor. 

2^^y Ninety three Casks of Sugar, having been seized 



380 Correspondence of the 

and Condemned the same was sold in June or July 
1764 by the Court (which always assumes that Power) 
and afterwards delivered up without receiving the 
Price of it, and tho' the prosecutor has often applyed 
to the Advocate, Register and Marshal about it, his 
share is not paid him to this Day. 

3'^?^ A Quantity of Rum and Molosses and two 
Schooners, having been Seized and Condemned and 
sold in like manner by the Court in October 1 764, 
the same were also delivered up without receiving 
the price of them, and it was full Eight Months 
before any part of this Money was paid the Collector, 
and a Considerable part of it is unpaid to this Day, 
notwithstanding our frequent Application to the 
Register of the Court. 

^thiy ^ Fine was sued for and decreed in or about 
May 1765, and the same is not paid to this Time, 
the Court having not issued out the proper process, 
tho' the prosecutor has frequently solicited the same 
from all the Officers of the Court. 

^thiy ^ Vessel estimated at three Hundred pounds 
Sterling having been Seized ; prosecuted and Con- 
demnd at Providence about August 1765, was the 
Day after there sold by the Court for about Twenty 
pounds Sterling; And this great Deficiency in the 
Sale most be imputed to such Abrupt manner of 
proceeding, and to the Custom house not having any 
Notice thereof ; And the King's share thereof is not 
yet paid in 

All these Delays in paying into the Exchequer the 
Crown's share of the Fines and Forfeitures, must 
from the Accounts we are Obliged regularly to trans- 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 381 

mit Home, appear to our Superiors ; and therefore to 
Account for the same, it was a Duty we Owed the 
King our Master and to ourselves, to make a faith- 
full representation of the Cause thereof; without Re- 
gard to the persons that might be thereby affected 

All the Facts that we have advanced will be found 
true if examined into, but to whose share the Blame 
may fall, whether the Judge who presides over the 
Court, or any particular Member or Members thereof 
(whose Behaviour however we suppose ought to be 
inspected into and regulated by the Judge) we cannot 
be more perticular at present in pointing out; And 
if you should want any further Information about, or 
explanation of these Matters, we shall always be 
ready to satisfy you/ 

We are with great Respect Sir 

Your most Obed* and most Hble serv 

John Robinson 



John Nicoll 



The Honble Gov! Ward 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Esteemed Fr'^ 

By my Letter of 25'!" Ult ^ via Maryland, and Du- 
plicate there of per Jacobson, I gave an Account of 
the Transactions of the House of Commons in rela- 
tion to the Stamp Act. 

1 See for action of the Assembly regarding this matter, Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 481, 
521. 

2 See Col. Rec. ofR. /., VI. 484. 



382 Correspondence of the 

Since which the Repeal has passed the House of 
Commons by a great Majority, but with great Oppo- 
sition from the People lately in Power ; The Bill is 
now depending in the House of Lords, it has been 
read twice, and was yesterday Committed to a Com- 
mittee of the whole House for tomorrow, Upon the 
Division in that House the Majority in favour of the 
Repeal was 44. 

There is a Bill also passing thro' the Houses 
relating to America which is Connected with the 
before mentioned,^ Inclosed are Copys of both. 

Time would not permitt me when I wrote last to 
give a full Answer to thy several favours, which I 
shall now Endeavour to do. 

I must Acknowledge the General Assembly have 
Treated me with great kindness and respect, and 
hope I shall retain a gratef ull sence of the Obligation 
I am under to them, but as there were Bills drawn 
to a Considerable Amount more than what the As- 
sembly had allowed the Ballance in my hands to be, 
I thought it arose from some Mistake of the Persons 
Intrusted by the Assembly to Transact that Business, 
and after having Accepted and paid about three 
Hundred Pounds more than I ought to have been 
drawn upon for, I thought it time to Stop, more es- 
pecially when the Arduous and Important Affairs 
of the Colony would necessarily Occasion consider- 
able Expence. It is both my Inclination and Duty 
to regard the Honour of the Colony, but I must at 
the same time Pay some regard to my Own Honour 
and not Accept Bills which May perhaps be not 

1 See the following letter for a detailed account of this measure. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 383 

in my Power to discharge, I do not find that the other 
Colonys Overdraw their Agents tho' the Annual 
Salary allowd to some of them is ;^500 Sterling, I 
hope the Assembly will hold me Excused for what I 
have done, and depend on my Endeavours upon all 
Occasions to Support the Reputation of the Colony 
when I can do it, without Prejudice to my own.^ 

Immediately after Receipt of the Letters to Col : 
Barre^ I waited on that Gentleman, and in the most 
respectfuU manner I was able, presented the Letter, 
and the Sence the Government had of his Regard, 
he received me with great Curtesy, promised to 
write the Assembly in Answer, and Assured me he 
would Continue to Use his Endeavours for the Pre- 
servation of the Libertys of the Americans, to them 
so Sacred. 

In regard to the Petitions signed at the Congress 
of which you sent me Copys, that to the King was 
delivered, that which was Addressed for the Lords 
being called a Memorial, could not by the Rules of 
that House be Admitted, as nothing of that Sort can 
be presented to them but under the Designation of 
an Humble Petition, That to the Commons was Of- 
fered to the House by a worthy Member, who read 
it in his place, and Debates arose upon the Propriety 
of receiving it, as not coming from any Legislative or 

1 This expression of opinion was elicited by a letter from Ward, of November 7, 
1765 (Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 474), in which he protests against the course taken by the 
colony's agent. 

2 It was Barre who first used the phrase " sons of liberty," which became a favor- 
ite designation of patriotic associations in the colonies. His speech was made in 
1765, when the measure was first before the House, and sent to America by the agent 
for Connecticut, who happened to be in the gallery. Lecky, England (ed. Appleton), 
IV. 74- 



384 Correspondence of the 

legally Authorized Body of People, and the Stream 
being against the bringing it up it was Declined, but 
without any Negative/ 

I have not yet got any Report from the Pay Mas- 
ter General and Secretary at War, altho I have So- 
licited it with great Application, and do now Expect 
it daily. I am with great regard to thy self and the 
Gent of the General Assembly 

Thy and their respectfull Fr*? 

Joseph Sherwood 

Warnford Court Throgmorton Street 
13'." March 1766. 

To Samuel Ward Esq!" 

Governour of the Colony of Rhode Island 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Esteemed Fr^ 

Inclosed is Duplicate of my last to the Governor 
and Company, since which the Trade and Naviga- 
tion of America have been Agitated in the House of 
Commons with great Warmth and Industry by both 
Parties and at length the House on the 9*^ Instant 
Agreed with their Committee on the following Re- 
solutions, by which you will see that every Grievance 
of which you Complained is now Absolutely and to- 
tally removed, a joyfull and a happy Event for the late 
Disconsolate Inhabitants of America. I Trust they 
will make a wise and Prudent use of the Tender Indul- 
gencies shewn them by their now Affectionate Mother. 

1 These documents were referred to in Ward's letter, cited above. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 385 

Resolved. 

That the Duties imposed by an Act or Acts of 
Parliament upon Melasses and Syrups of the Growth 
Produce or Manufacture of any Forreign American 
Colony or Plantation imported into any British Col- 
ony or Plantation in America do Cease and Deter- 
mine. 

Resolved. 

That it is the Opinion of this Committee that the 
Duties Imposed upon Sugars in the British Colonies 
in America by an Act made in the 25'^ Year of the 
Reign of King Charles the second for Encourage- 
ment of the Greenland and Eastland Trades and 
better securing the Plantation Trade do cease and 
Determine. 

Resolved. 

That the Duties Imposed by the Act made in the 
fourth Year of his present Majestys Reign upon 
Coffee and Piemento^of the Growth and Produce 
of any British Colony or Plantations in America 
which should be Shipped to be carryed out from 
thence do Cease and Determine. 

Resolved 

That a Duty of seven Shillings Sterling money 
per Hundred weight Averdupois be laid upon all 
such Coffee which shall be Imported into any such 
Colony or Plantation except only such Coffee as 
shall upon the Landing thereof be Immediately de- 
posited and Secured in Warehouses in order to be 
reexported under proper Restrictions. 

1 An evergreen, spice-producing shrub, native to the West Indies, but cultivated 
almost exclusively in Jamaica, and sometimes called Jamaica pepper. It is commonly 
known in America as allspice. 

VOL. II. 



386 Correspondence of the 

Resolved 

That a Duty of one half Penny Sterling money 
per pound Averdupois be laid upon all such Pimento 
which shall be Imported into any such Colony or 
Plantation, except only such Pimento as shall upon 
the Landing thereof be immediately deposited and 
Secured in Warehouses in order to be reexported 
under proper Restrictions. 

Resolved 

That no Duties be paid upon such Forreign Su- 
gars Coffee or Indico as shall be Imported into any 
British Colony or Plantation on the Continent of 
America and upon landing thereof be immediately 
deposited and Secured in Warehouses in Order to 
be Reexported under proper Restrictions. 

Resolved. 

That fforeign Cotton Wool and Indico be per- 
mitted to be imported by British Ships Navigated 
according to Law into any British Island in that 
part of America commonly called the West Indies 
free from the Payment of any Duty or other Imposi- 
tion whatsoever 

Resolved. 

That the Produce of such of the said Duties to 
be raised in the said Colonies and Plantations be 
paid into the receipt of his Majestys Exchequer 
and there reserved to be from time to time disposed 
of by Parliament towards Defraying the necessary 
Expences of defending Protecting and securing the 
said Colonies and Plantations. 

Resolved 

That it will be for the Advantage of the Trade 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 387 

Navigation and Manufactures of this Kingdom to 
Establish one or more Port or Ports in his Majestys 
Dominions in America for the more free Importation 
and Expor[ta]tion of certain Goods and Merchan- 
dizes under proper Regulations and Restrictions." 

And a Bill was Ordered in pursuant to the said 
Resolutions." 

I sometime ago obtained a Report from the Pay 
Master General and Secretary at War of which I In- 
close you a Copy/ it was with great Difficulty I could 
obtain one so favourable, this Report lyes now at the 
Treasury, and I apprehend that the Lords would 
Order the Payment thereof Immediately had it not 
been for the Outrages and Violent Riots ^ Committed 
in the Government upon the Persons and Effects of 
the two Gentlemen now here and some others, You 
see by the Resolutions of the House that they are 
determined to Espouse and Encourage those who 
have Sufferred in that Cause, and from what I can 
pick up (tho' it is not openly Avowed) The Treasury 
Board seemed disposed to delay the Payment of this 
money untill they see what Measures the Assembly 
adopt in Consequence of the Requisition of the 
House for the Reimbursement of these People. I 

1 Report on the expenses incurred in 1756. See Ward's letter of May 17, 1765, in 
Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 434. This report is not in the archives. 

^ Riots of August, 1765, in Newport. The sufferers who had gone to England to 
present their claims for indemnification in person were Martin Howard, Jr., and Dr. 
Thomas Moffat, whose "houses and effects" received "some little injury," Ward 
writes Secretary Conway, in the following February (Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 483). 
These claims proved an insurmountable obstacle so far as the Treasury Board was 
concerned. Moffat's claim amounted to £1310, of which £179 was paid by the colony 
in 1772 ; that of Howard was reduced by the Assembly from £970 to £76, which was 
to be paid when the money granted for 1756 should be received from England. Arnold, 
Rhode Islattd, II. 271. See also Ward's letter to Sherwood of November 6, 1766, and 
note, in Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 513. 



388 Correspondence of the 

shall use my best Endeavours to obtain a speedy- 
payment and am with great regard to thyself and the 
Gent of the General Assembly 

Thy and their respectfull Frf 

Joseph Sherwood. 

15'!" May 1766. 

To The Governor and Company 

of the Colony of Rhode Island in America 



THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF RHODE ISLAND TO THE 

KING. 

To the Kings Most Excellent Majesty 

The humble Address of the Governour and Com- 
pany of the English Colony of Rhode Island and Pro- 
vidence Plantations in New England in America. 

May it please your Majesty, 

We your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects 
the Governour and Company of the English Colony 
of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New 
England in America in Gen' Assembly convened 
beg Leave gratefully to acknowledge the Share we 
have in the Blessings of your Majesty's mild and 
just Government and to return your Majesty our un- 
feigned Thanks for the late Instance of your Pater- 
nal Regard for all your Subjects however distant in 
giving your Royal Assent to the Bill for repealing 
the Act of Parliament imposing Stamp Duties upon 
the Inhabitants of the British Colonies in America. 

It was with the deepest Concern we reflected 
upon the fatal Consequences we conceived would 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 389 

inevitably attend the Operation of that Act not only 
to your Majesty's loyal Subjects in America but also 
to those in Great Britain : And it is with equal Joy 
and Gratitude that we find an Act so destructive in 
our humble Opinions to the Interests of both Coun- 
tries repealed. 

Upon this Occasion which will render the Name 
of your Majesty forever dear to the British Colonies 
in America we also beg Leave to express the grate- 
ful Sentiments we entertain of the Lenity the Mod- 
eration and Magnanimity so conspicuous in the Two 
Houses of Parliament; and the firm Reliance we 
place in the Wisdom and Justice of the Legislature 
of Great Britain That uninfluenced by any partial 
Consideration their Councils will ever be directed 
for the Benefit of all the British Dominions. 

By every Motive of Duty and Affection by the 
sacred Ties of Gratitude and Consciance devoted to 
your Majesty's Royal Person and Family and Gov- 
ernment — possessed with the sincerest Veneration 
for the British Constitution, and convinced that our 
Connection with and Dependence upon Great Brit- 
ain are the only sure Foundations of our Happiness 
We beg Leave to assure your Majesty That it shall 
be our Study to cultivate the Principles of Loyalty to 
your Majesty, of due Regard and Submission to that 
August Body the British Parliament, of Friendship 
and Filial Affection to Great Britain ; and to pro- 
mote the true Interest and Felicity of all your Ma- 
jesty's Subjects. 

That your Majesty may long very long sway the 
Sceptre of Great Britain with Glory and Renown 



390 Correspondence of the 

and continue to be considered as the Father of your 
People by Millions of Faithful Subjects throughout 
the British Empire ; and that there may never be 
wanting One of your Illustrious House to transmit 
to the latest Posterity the Blessings of Your Majestys 
auspicious Reign are the sincere Wishes and ardent 
Prayers of 

May it please your Majesty, 

Your Majesty's most dutiful 
and loyal Subjects 
The Gov^ and Company of the Colony of 
Rhode Island 

June 14'." 1766. 

To the Ho2ise 0/ Mag'!' 

Ge7i\ 

Resolved that the Abovewritten form of an Ad- 
dress be Approved of And that his HonT the Gov' be 
requested to order a Fair Copy to be made and trans- 
mit the same to his Majesty Voted and past 

per Ordr J Lyndon Cler 

hi the Upper House 

Read the same Day and concurred with this 
Amendment that the Secretary be directed to give 
out no Copy of the same until Intelligence is re- 
ceived of its being presented to His Majesty/ 

Read the same Day in the Lower house and con- 
curred 

per ordf J Lyndon Cler By Ordf Henry Ward 

Secretary 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 496. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 391 

GOVERNOR WARD TO THE MERCHANTS IN LONDON.^ 

Newport 30'." June 1766 
Gentlemen 

In Consequence of the inclosed Resolve of the 
General Assembly I have the Pleasure to transmit 
to You the Thanks of this Colony for your generous 
and unwearied Assistance in promoting the Repeal 
of the late Act of Parliament for levying certain 
Stamp Duties in America 

This happy Event which hath restored Peace and 
Tranquility to America with the proposed Regula- 
tions and Extension of American Commerce will I 
doubt not be attended with the most advantageous 
Consequences not only to the Interests of this Coun- 
try but to the Trade and Manufactures of Great 
Britain. And for the Promotion of these beneficial 
Measures All America gratefully acknowledges 
themselves highly indebted to the Merchants of 
Great Britain I am With great regard Gentlemen 
Your most obedient humble Servant 

S W 

Barlow Tresothick Esqf and the other Merch*' in 
London 



GOVERNOR WARD TO JOSEPH SHERWOOD. 

Newport 4'." July 1766 

Sir 

I am now to acknowledge the receiving your 
Favors of the ii*!" Jan^f the 25'!" Feb7 and I3'^ and 
29^1' March last. 

1 See instructions of the Assembly in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 494. 



392 Correspondence of the 

The Repeal of the Stamp Act has given the great- 
est Pleasure to this and all the Colonies and is re- 
ceived with the most sincere and ardent Gratitude 
and thankfulness and if the Regulations of our Trade 
are as favorable as we have Reason from M! Secre- 
tary Conways Letter ^ to expect there is not the least 
Doubt but that the most affectionate Intercourse and 
Harmony will be established between Great Britain 
and her Colonies to the lasting Benefit of both 
Countries, And this Colony in particular will take 
every proper Measure for promoting and perpetuat- 
ing such a desirable Union 

Upon receiving Mr Secretary Conways Letter and 
Copies of the Acts just passed relative to the Stamp 
Act the Government unanimously voted an humble 
Address to the King which I have inclosed in my 
letter to his Excellency and requested the Favor of 
him to present to his Majesty 

I am much pleased that you have obtain'd a hear- 
ing on our Demands for the Year 1756^ and hope 
the Measures You have taken are so judicious that 
Success may attend them and I must desire that you 
will spare no Pains in this Matter and that you will 
write me as soon as Possible what the Event may be. 
I am obliged to you for your Advices relative to the 
Progress of the Bill for repealing the Stamp Act and 
whenever any thing occurs in which the Colonies 
may have any Interest Your giving us the most early 

1 See Secretary Conway's letter of March 31, 1766, in Col. Rec, of R. I., VI. 486. 

2 See letter of May 15, 1766. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 393 

and minute Advice of it will be very agreeable to the 
Government. I am Sir 

Your respectful Friend and humble Servant 

Sam : Ward 

Joseph Sherwood Esq"" 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Esteemed Fr^ 

By the Polly Capt" Gardiner I sent the Acts of 
Parliament for opening free Ports and for taking the 
Dutys off Sundry American Commodities. 

With my Letter of i s'*" May I sent a Copy of the 
second Report of the Pay Master General and Secre- 
tary at War since which I have with Assiduity and 
Diligence Sollicited the Lords of the Treasury for 
the Kings Warrant for the sum Reported due to the 
Colony It was for some time Postponed by that 
Board by Occasion of the Multiplicity of their Affairs 
but at length upon my growing Importunate for the 
money the Lords have thought proper to give me 
this Positive Answer " That as a Requisition is gone 
" from the Crown to the Colony the Treasury Board 
" thinks fitt to suspend the Payment of the money 
" untill an Answer comes from the Colony relating to 
" that Requisition." This I Apprehend clearly to 
relate to the Depredations Committed by the Mob 
in your Colony (Encouraged and Animated as is 
Alledged here by some who ought to have known 
and acted otherwise) on several Persons for their 
Attachment to the Stamp Act.-^ 

1 See note to letter of May 15. 



394 Correspondence of the 

This is a very unlucky Circumstance but I do not 
see that I can Proceed any further at present I 
hope and Expect soon to receive some Instructions 
from the Colony and then I shall apply to the Trea- 
sury again I am with great regard to thy self and 
the Gent of the General Assembly Their and thy 
respectfuU Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

Warnford Court Throgmorton Street. 
7. ft July 1 766. 

Esq*; Pitt is Reported to be Sec7 of State.^ 

To The Governor and Comp^ of the Colony of 
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in 
America 



JOHN ROBINSON AND JOHN NICOLL TO GOVERNOR WARD. 

Custom House 22* December 1766. 
Sir. 

As it is upwards of a Year since your Honor 
received a Commission from the Lords of the Trea- 
sury^ to examine into the Facts advanced in a Let- 
ter of ours to the Commissioners of the Customs 
concerning Mr Andrews the Judge and M' Honey- 
man the Advocate of the Court of Admiralty ; And 
as M' Andrews has prosecuted us at the Suit of the 

1 Rockingham was dismissed in July, 1766, and Pitt made Earl of Chatham and 
Prime Minister and Lord Privy Seal. The strongest man in the ministry (for Pitt 
was already incapacitated by ill health) was Charles Townshend, Chancellor of the 
Exchequer. 

2 See letter of September 14, 1765, with enclosure. Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 457, 458. 
Also notes to letter of February 22, 1766. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 395 

Crown by way of Indictment and at his own Suit for 
Defamation, for the Represention we thereby made 
of his Conduct, We think ourselves under a Neces- 
sity of apply? to your Honor to know whether any 
and what Steps have been taken in the Affair; and 
we are in hopes you'll consider this our Request so 
reasonable as to induce you to comply with it. 
We are, Sir, Yf m* Obed' hble Serv'f 

John Robinson 
John Nicoll 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS.^ 

Esteemed Fr^. 

My last to the Governour was of the 20*!" of Feb- 
ruary," in which I Informed of the Proceedings in 
Parliament in Relation to America. 

Since that time the House of Commons of Ordered 
in a Bill to Prohibit the Legislature of New York 
from Passing any Act of Assembly untill, they shall 
have Complied with the Act of Parliament Relating 
to Billeting Soldiers.^ 

It is also said, and I believe with good Authority, 
that the Ministry have Resolved upon laying Taxes 
on Wine, Oil, Fruit, &? Imported into America from 

1 The Ward-Hopkins controversy had been renewed, and had resulted in a victory 
for the Providence faction. This was the last trial of strength. In October arrange- 
ments were made whereby a compromise candidate was selected. See Col. Bee. of 
R. I., VI. 548-554. 

2 Not in the archives. 

8 This was a part of Townshend's plan of action which he brought into the House of 
Commons on May 13, 1767. He also wished to establish a Board of Commissioners 
of Customs for America, and to tax glass, red and white lead, painters' colors, paper, 
and tea. 



396 Correspondence of the 

Portugal and the Madeira's, and also on some other 
Articles, but the Particulars are not yet known, 

I have received no Advices from the Colony for 
sometime, I did hope to be Informed what the As- 
sembly had done in Relation to the Petitions of 
Martin Howard EsqT and Doctor Moffat.^ I have 
not been able to Obtain as yet upon my Application 
to the Treasury, as mentioned in my last, but hope 
to be able to write more fully thereon by next Con- 
veyance. 

I am with great Regard to thyself and the Gent 
of the General Assembly 

Their and thy Assured Respectfull Fr*^ 

Joseph Sherwood. 

Warnford Court Throgmorton Street 
20'.'' May 1767. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Esteemed Fr"^ 

Foregoing is Duplicate of my last. 

I have again moved the Treasury for Payment of 
the Money, But I have the Strongest Authority, to 
Inform the Colony, that it will not be Paid till a 
Reasonable Compensation is made to the Sufferers 
by Riots. The Money was Stopped by the last 
Treasury Board, not those now in Office, And the 
Present Lords of the Treasury do not think them- 
selves Oblidged to Justify, or Account for, every Act 
of their Predecessors, But however they will not 

1 See note to letter of May 15, 1766. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 397 

undo what they found done when they Entered into 
their Office, Therefore unless the matter is by some 
Method or other Compromised with them, it is vain 
to apply for the Money. 

I was Yesterday with One of his Majesty's Minis- 
ters, who Complained greatly against the Assembly 
or Magistracy for Prosecuting the Collector Robin- 
son,^ the Particulars of his Charges I know not, but I 
have heard from many hands they are very Greivous ; 
When you know or Expect Complaints of any kind 
coming over, it would be well to let me have a true 
State of the Real Facts, for I apprehend they gener- 
ally come here highly Coloured and aggrevated, and 
without Information I cannot Contradict and Falsify 
them. 

The Parliament let fall their Design of Taxing the 
Items mentioned on the other side, But have Passed 
An Act laying Dutys on Glass, Red lead. Painters 
Colours, Tea, and Paper, Imported from Great Britain 
into America, And also another Act Enabling his 
Majesty to Establish a Board of Customs in America, 
which two Acts, together with the Prohibition New 
York Act are all that have Passed this Sessions 
Relating to America.^ 

I am with great Respect Thy Assured Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

7'" August 1 767. 

To Stephen Hopkins Esq! 

Governour of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations in New England 
America. 

1 See notes to letter of December 22, 1766; and for action of the Assembly upon 
receipt of this letter, Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 532, 533. 

2 See note to preceding letter. 



398 Correspondence of the 



LORD SHELBURNE TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF 
RHODE ISLAND, 

Whitehall October S'I" 1767. 
Gentlemen 

By the Directions of the Earl of Shelburne I sent 
You the inclosed Copy of an Act passed in the last 
Session of Parliament, Intituled "An Act to enable 
" His Majesty to put the Customs and other Duties, 
" in the British Dominions in America, and the Exe- 
" cution of the Laws relating to Trade there under 
" the Management of Commissioners to be appointed 
" for that Purpose, and to be Resident in this said 
" Dominions." ^ 

I am. Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient, humble Servant, 

S. Macleane 

Governor and Company of Rhode Island 



TOBIAS SHATTOCK^ TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL 

ASSEMBLY. 

Charleston the 8 of Decern' a.d. 1767. 
To the Committee appointed by the Hon : Assembly at 

their last Sessions. 

Gentlemen. As we have been threatened with ruin 
for a course of Years, by having our Land Sold from 

1 See Sherwood's letter of May 20, 1767. 

2 In October the Assembly had required the Narragansett sachem, Ninigret, to deed 
the lot whereon stood the Indian school-house in Charlestown to the colony, and had 
appointed a committee to settle the accounts of the sachem, and to sell the lands of 
the tribe, if necessary, in order to do so. Thereupon the tribe took the advice of Sir 
William Johnson, and sent Tobias Shattock to England, as their agent, to present their 
case to the King. Notwithstanding his efforts, the decree of the Assembly was executed 
in 1773. See Arnold, Rhode Island, II. 279, 328; and Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 534. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 399 

us ; that we have greatly fear'd we must come into 
Bondage with our Children or hear their lamentable 
Cry for want of Bread ; and be hindred of the blessed 
Priviledge of worshiping God together as a C?, also 
the benefit of our School, that we have been lately 
favoured with. We have often Solicited the Hon : 
Assembly for redress, to little Purpose ; their last 
Resolve on Indian affairs, in my sincere Opinion is 
Grievous. Tho' I wou'd not be understood to reflect 
upon the Government ; but I've tho't certain Gen- 
tlemen has endeavoured to advance their Interest by 
the poor Indians, thinking (perhaps) their extream 
Poverty, may prevent their being called into Ques- 
tion ; too tho'tless (I fear) that the Supreme God 
takes cognizance of all their doings. 

What I would inform You is, the Indian Tribe has 
agreed to send me to England for Redress, and have 
furnish'd me for the Purpose, by Direction of his 
Excellency Si" William Johnston. Which Design is 
necessary and laudible, the Injuries, Violations, and 
Frauds done to the Indians being in my sincere 
Opinion, grievous, inhuman and incredible, that I 
can in Integrity do no less than undertake in behalf 
of my Brethren, not doubting, but God, who hates 
Oppression, will raise me true Friends to lay our 
Miseries before his most Sacred Majesty, and his 
most Hon : Privy Council. Which is the earnest 
Prayer of his Majesties Conscientiously loyal Subject 

Tobias Shattock 

To Colonel Joseph Hazsard at South Kingston 

Charleston Dec' 29'." 1767 

Rec^ and read before the Committee 

Witness F Perry 



400 Correspondence of the 



MATTHEW ROBINSON TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Sir ! 

I should be wanting in due respect to your Honour, 
and the General Assembly did I not give an Account 
of my doings in the Comission^ I was charg'd withal 
the last Session of Assembly in October last relating to 
drawing and obtaining an ample Deed from Thomas 
Ninnegret the Indian Sachem and five of his Coun- 
sellors of a Peice of Land in Charlestown for a School. 
Which is not yet done : ffor that notwithstanding 
much pains taken by me this Winter I never could 
get the Plat of the Land 'til last Fryday Week, and 
the end of last Week I obtain'd the names of the Sa- 
chems Counsellors and not before ; Wherefore it 
has not been in my Power to obey the Orders of the 
Assembly 

Be pleas'd Sir ! to lay this before the Assembly and 
exculpate me for the above Reasons from all blame 
since I never have had them in my Power to execute 
their Orders, and assure them that I will improve the 
first Vacancy I shall have between the Courts to 
accomplish this Business, and in the interim, am the 
Assembly's and 

Yf Hon" most hble Serv* 

MaT Robinson 

S* Kingston March i'.' 1768 

To his Hon! Gov"^ Hopkins 

1 See note to preceding letter. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 401 

JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR HOPKINS. 

Gent. 

The Parliament is Dissolved by Proclamation and 
the Nobility Gentry &^ are Busy about Electioneering. 
Nothing passed last Sessions materially Affecting the 
Colonies. 

I received the Governors Letters^ of the 14^!" I6*^ 
and \f^ of November the first Containing a very In- 
telligent Account of the dispute between the Judge 
of the Admiralty and the late Collector, as the last is 
removed from the Colony^ I think no further Notice 
need be taken of that Affair. 

As to the Money in the Treasury you are to Ob- 
serve, that it never has been Voted by Parliament, it 
stands only upon the Report of the Pay Master Gen- 
eral and Secretary at War in favour of the Colony, 
and to which the Commons may Assent or Dissent 
as they think fit, and there Appears not to be the 
least Probability of Obtaining it till the Requisition 
of that House is Complied with. 

It is some years since I received any money from, 
or on Account of the Colony, I was Informed that 
;^200 would be Remitted me on Account of the Ex- 
pences of the Repeal of the Stamp Act, as I have 
not yet received it, I have taken the Liberty to draw 
upon the Governor and Company for that Sum, in 
favour of Joseph Harrison EsqT of Boston, which I 
hope will be Honoured, and I propose to send my 

1 None of these are in the archives. 

2 John Robinson had been appointed a member of the board of Commissioners of Cus- 
toms under the new act. This board was stationed at Boston. By their appointment 
Charles Dudley became collector and surveyor of Rhode Island, in place of Robinson. 

VOL. II. 



402 Correspondence of the 

Account Current with the Colony soon I am with 
great regard Gent 

Your Assured Respectfull Fr"? 

Joseph Sherwood 

Warnford Court Throgmorton Street 
21=.' March 1768. 

To The Gov^ and Company of the Colony of Rhode 
Island and Providence Plantations in America. 



LORD HILLSBOROUGH TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY 
OF RHODE ISLAND.! 

Circular. 
(N? 6) Whitehall, April the 30'." 1768. 

Gentlemen^ 

I herewith transmit to You Copies of several 
Papers ^ received from the Lords Comm? of His 
Majesty's Treasury relative to the Murder of William 
Odgers, One of the Officers of His Majesty's Cus- 
toms, charged therein upon Melchisedeck Kinsman, 
who sailed about three Weeks since from Falmouth, 
in One of the New York Packets ; And I am to 
signify to You His Majesty's Pleasure, that you take 
all legal Methods for the apprehending of the said 
Kinsman, if found within Your Government, to the 
End that He may be brought to Justice.^ 

I am, with great Truth and Regard, Gentlemen, 
Your most obedient humble Servant. 

Hillsborough 

Governor and Company of Rhode Island. 

1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., VI. 555, 

2 See the five documents next in order. 

8 See, for action of the Assembly, Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 554. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 403 

EDWARD STANLEY TO THOMAS BRADSHAW.^ 

Sir, 

I received your Note of the I9*^ Instant desiring 
to have Copies of the Informations against Melchise- 
deck Kinsman, to transmit to the Governors on the 
Continent of America ; I herewith send You the 
same, together with a Copy of the Surgeon's Affida- 
vit,^ who attended William Odgers 'till the Time of 
his Death, which the Solicitor thinks may also be 
proper to be sent to the Governors on the Continent 
of America. 

I am &c : 

Edw? Stanley. 

Customhouse London 21'.' April 1768. 

[Enclosure.^] 

The Voluntary Deposition of Alexander Hampton of the Par- 
ish of Redruth in the said County Tinner taken on Oath before 
Us Thomas Glynn and Hugh Rogers Esq" two of His Majesty's 
Justices of the Peace in and for the said County to wit Cornwall 
15^ Day of March 1768. 

Who saith that on Monday 7*.'' of March Instant, he was hired 
by one James Nicholls of Redruth aforesaid Tinner to assist in 
bringing some smuggled Goods from the Parish of Landewednack 
in the said County to Redruth aforesaid. That he arrived at the 
Church Town of the Parish of Landewednack aforesaid about 
three o'Clock in the Afternoon and put up his Horse at a Pub- 
lick House there soon after which the said James Nicholls, and 
also Melchesedeck Kinsman Richard Trenear, David Trenear 
and Rich? Peters all of the Parish of Gwennop in the said County 
came to the same Place with Intent (as this Deponent appre- 

1 Enclosed with letter of April 30, 1768. 

2 See the two following documents. 

8 Enclosed with letter of April 21, 1768. 



404 Correspondence of the 

hendcd) to carry off some Smuggled Goods which had been 
landed for them in the said Parish of Landewednack. That 
within an hour after their Arrival a Report was spread that the 
Goods were in danger of being seized by some Custom House 
Officers ; on which one of them said, ** Damn these Fellows we 
" shall lose our Goods, come let us go immediately and endea- 
" vour to save them," or Words to that Effect. That immediately 
the said Melchesedeck Kinsman, Richard Trenear, David Tre- 
near and Richard Peters set off from the said House towards a 
Field about the Distance of an Eighth Part of a Mile, and this 
Deponent followed them. That on their entering the said Field 
this Deponent observed one Man standing still and another Man 
running off. That the said Melchesedeck Kinsman Richard 
Trenear, David Trenear and Richard Peters immediately took up 
a Stone each in their Hands and approaching within ten or twelve 
Yards of the Man who stood still forthwith flung the Stones at 
him ; And thereupon the said Melchesedeck Kinsman came upon 
him and closed with him and threw him to the Ground, and then 
with a Whip, the Head of which was cased with Copper struck 
him several Violent Blows on the Head Leggs and several Parts 
of his Body ; during which some of the Company having repre- 
sented to the said Melchesedeck Kinsman that he had beat the 
Man enough and desiring him to desist said Kinsman said " By 
God I '11 kill him," or to that Effect, and accordingly continued 
beating him some time longer. And this Deponent saith that he 
saw in the said Field several Anchor Casks which he presumes 
were full of smuggled Liquors, but that after having done the 
said Mischief the said Melchesedeck Kinsman and the others 
thought it imprudent to stay in order to bring off the said Casks 
but got their Horses and rid away as fast as they could. And 
further saith that he has been informed and believes that the 
Name of the Person so assaulted and beaten as aforesaid was 
William Odgers, That he was a Custom House Officer belonging 
to the Port of Penzance in the said County and that he is since 
dead of the Wounds received by him as aforesaid. 

Alex^ Hampton 
Sworn before Us 

Thomas Glynn 

Hugh Rogers. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 405 

[Enclosure.!] 
In the Ki?ig's Bench. 

James Smith, of the Parish of Helstone, in the County of Corn- 
wall, surgeon, maketh Oath, that on Monday the 7'^ day of March 
ins' about Six OClock in the Afternoon he was sent for and re- 
quested to attend on W"? Odgers, a Customhouse Officer belong- 
ing to the Port of Penzance in the s? County at the Parish of 
Landwednack in the s? County, That he accordingly went to 
the said Parish and found the s? W"? Odgers at the House of one 
Joseph Richards there ; 

That on examining the s? W? Odgers he found that he had 
received several Wounds and Bruizes in several Parts of his 
Body, and particularly a violent depression upon the Brain and a 
Fracture in the left side of the skull, and a compound Fracture 
in his right Leg, and that the said Wl" Odgers had lost a very 
large Quantity of Blood, which, with the other Injuries received 
by him, reduced him so low as to be scarce able to speak. 

That he attended the said W? Odgers daily from the s? 7*.'' to 

the II*^of March instant on which Day he expired. And this 

Deponent saith, that according to the best of his Apprehension 

and Belief the said W? Odgers died of the Wounds and Injuries 

rec? by him. 

James Smith 

Sworn at Helstone in the County of Cornwall aforesaid the 
2o*^ day March 1768 
Before me 

R Johns Commissioner &c. 



THOMAS BRADSHAW TO RICHARD PHELPS.^ 

Sir, 

I am directed by My Lords Commissioners of His 
Majesty's Treasury to send You the inclosed Copy ^ 

1 Enclosed with letter of April 21, 1768. 

2 Enclosed with letter of April 30, 1768. 
' See the following document. 



4o6 Correspondence of the 

of a Letter from Mr Stanley Secretary to the Comm? 
of the Customs, relative to One Melchisedeck Kins- 
man who lately murdered W" Odgers One of their 
Officers at Penzance ; And who sailed about 3 
Weeks since from Falmouth in One of the New York 
Packets ; And to desire You will Move the Earl of 
Hillsborough to give such Orders to the several 
Governors on the Continent of N? America for appre- 
hending the said Kinsman as His Lordship shall 
think proper. 

I am &c: 

Tho^ Bradshaw. 

Treasury Chambers 25'? April 1768. 

Richard Phelps Esqf 



EDWARD STANLEY TO THOMAS BRADSHAW.* 

Sir^ 

William Odgers, one of the Officers of the Cus- 
toms at the Port of Penzance in the County of Corn- 
wall, having been lately barbarously murdered by 
Melchisedeck Kinsman and others, in endeavouring 
to seize and secure a large Quantity of uncustomed 
Goods ; and the Collector of Penryn having informed 
the Commissioners that the said Kinsman sailed 
from Falmouth about three Weeks since in one of 
the New York Packets, and hath carried off with 
him about ;^8oo in Cash, I am directed to acquaint 
You therewith and to beg You will move the Lords 
Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, that Orders 

1 Enclosed with letter of April 25, 1768. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 407 

may be sent to the several Governors on the Conti- 
nent of America to take such Measures as may be 
most effectual for the apprehending of the said Mel- 
chisedeck Kinsman, for which purpose have annexed 
a Description of his Person and in case he should in 
Consequence thereof be apprehended that he may be 
sent to England by the first safe and proper Oppor- 
tunity that may offer, in order to his being tried for 
the said Offence. 

I am &c. 

E? Stanley. 
Customhouse London 14 April 1768. 

Melchisedec Kinsman is a well set Man about five 
Feet eight Inches high, and about thirty Years of 
Age, florid Complexion, his Hair light brown but 
wears a Wig. 

Th? Bradshaw Esq. 



THE HOUSE OF DEPUTIES TO THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES 
OF VIRGINIA. 

Newport June the 20'.'' 1 768. 

Sir 

I have the Honor of your Letter of the 9*^ of May * 
last, directed to the Speaker of the House of Repre- 
sentatives of this Colony; which I laid before the 
House, at the opening of the Session, last Week, 

The early Resolves of the Honorable House of 
Burgesses in Virginia, upon the ever memorable 
Stamp Act ; and the decent, firm, and constitutional, 

1 Not in the archives. 



4o8 Correspondence of the 

Measures they have now taken, for restoring and 
preserving the just Rights and Privileges of his Ma- 
jestys loyal Subjects in America, have gain'd them 
the Applause of every Friend of Liberty; and, will 
be transmitted with Honor to the latest Ages ; while 
the Names of the venal Sycophants of Power, and 
their corrupt Defendants will be buried in Oblivion, 
or handed down to Posterity with Detestation and 
Infamy. 

I have the Pleasure, Sir, to inform you, that the 
Lower House of Assembly, in this Colony, entertain 
exactly the same Sentiments of the late Acts of Par- 
liament for raising a Revenue in the Colonies,^ with 
the Honble House of Burgesses in Virginia; and, 
animated with the same Zeal, will chearfully join the 
Sister Colonies, in every prudent, and legal Measure 
for asserting those Rights and Privileges, which they 
derive from Nature, and from the British Constitu- 
tion. 

The General Assembly of this Colony have ap- 
pointed a Committee to prepare a humble, dutiful, 
and loyal Address to his Majesty ; setting forth the 
Grievances his Subjects in America have just Rea- 
son to complain of, and praying his Royal Interposi- 
tion for Redress ; and, also, a Letter to the Secretary 
of State for the American Department, upon the 
same Subject ; ^ which are to be laid before them, at 
their meeting on the Second Monday in September 
next : At which Session the General Assembly will 
complete them, and forward them in such Season, 

1 The Townshend Acts of May, 1767. 

2 See Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 556, 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 409 

that they will arrive before the Opening of the new- 
Parliament; and will have taken every proper Step 
for co-operating with the other Colonies in this most 
important Concern. 

His Majesty hath no Subjects more faithful than 
those in America, none who would more chearfully 
offer up their Lives and Fortunes for His Glory, 
and the Interest of the whole Empire. They have 
a high Idea of the Excellence of the British Consti- 
tution, and a proper Sense of the Obedience that 
Constitution requires they should pay to the British 
Parliament; and are universaly persuaded that their 
Connection with, and Dependence, upon Great 
Britian, is essential to their Happiness. This the 
Lower House are convinced, is the Character the 
Inhabitants of the British Colonies in America de- 
serve. And, notwithstanding the false and malicious 
Representations which have been made by the Ene- 
mies of this Country, and, it may be added, of the 
Mother Country also, they entertain the strongest 
Hopes, that Truth will prevail ; that the united Peti- 
tions of so many loyal Subjects to his Majesty (who 
is truly esteemed the Father of all his People) will 
engage his Royal Attention and Interposition in 
their Favour; that the Constitution will be again 
established on its original Basis, that all Jealousy and 
Fear will subside ; and that Harmony and Affection 
between the Parent State and the Colonies will be 
restored and flourish, to the mutual Benefit and 
Felicity of all his Majesty's Subjects. 



4IO Correspondence of the 

In the Name, and by order of the Lower House 
of Assembly, 

I am with great Respect, 

Sir Your most obed* humble Serv 

Metcalfe Bowler Speaker. 

Sep! 13*^ 1768 

The foregoing Letter was approbated by the unani- 
mous Vote of the House 

W^ Ellery Clerk 

To the Honble Peyton Randolph Esq' Speaker 
of the Honble House of Burgesses of the Colony 
of Virginia 



THE HOUSE OF DEPUTIES TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- 
TIVES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

Newport Aug! s*? 1768. 

' The Letter from the Honorable House of Repre- 
sentatives of the Massachusetts Bay of the I6*^ Feb- 
ruary last,^ I had the Honor to receive and to lay 
before the Lower House of Assembly of this Colony 
at the Session held on the last Monday of the same 
Month. 

I should immediately after the Rising of the As- 
sembly have acknowledged the receipt of that Letter, 
but the General Assembly having taken it into con- 
sideration and appointed a Committee to prepare 
an humble dutiful and loyal Address to his Majesty 

1 There is such a letter printed under date of February ii, in Col. Rec. of R, I., VI. 
535- 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 411 

representing the Grievances of His faithful Subjects 
in America and imploring his Royal Interposition 
in their Behalf ; and also a Letter to One of the prin- 
cipal Secretaries of State upon the Subject of the 
late Acts of Parliament for raising a Revenue in 
America/ I concluded to postpone it until the Gen- 
eral Assembly should have taken every prudent and 
necessary Measure for co-operating with the other 
Colonies in asserting their just Rights and Priv- 
ileges, purposing then to do my self the Honor if I 
still remained in the Chair of giving you a particular 
Account of the Steps pursued by this Colony. 

It was expected that the Committee would have 
reported to the Session held in June last ; but they 
not having fully compleated the Draughts, and it 
being considered that the Assembly would meet 
again early in September next when they might 
be finished and transmitted Home before the Meet- 
ing of Parliament the Matter was referred to that 
Time. 

As the Silence of this Colony at this critical Junc- 
ture when all His Majestys Subjects in America are 
so justly alarmed may be liable to Misconstruction 
I have thought proper to give you this Information ; 
and to assure you as I do with great Sincerity that 
the Lower House of Assembly of this Colony highly 
approve the Conduct of your Honorable House of 
Representatives. They think the Measures are 
worthy of the Representatives of a free People and 
perfectly consistent with that Loyalty to His Majesty 

1 There is such a letter, printed under date of February ii, in Ccl, Rec. of R. I,, VI. 
535- 



412 Correspondence of the 

and that Regard for the British Constitution which 
have always distinguished the Province of the Massa- 
chusetts Bay. 

I am with great Respect S! 

Your most obed! humble Serv* 

Metcalfe Bowler Speaker 

Sep! 13 1768 

To the Honble Thomas Gushing EsqT 

The foregoing Letter was approbated by the unan- 
imous Vote of the Lower House of Assembly 

W. Ellery Cler 



GOVERNOR BOTETOURT^ TO GOVERNOR WARD, 

I have the honour to acquaint Your Excellence 
that His Majesty has been Graciously pleased to 
appoint me Governor of Virginia, that I am arrived 
at Williamsburg, shall always be happy to concur 
with You in any Measures which may tend to the 
Advantage of this Great Continent and that I am 
with respect 

Your Excellencys very Obedient Humble Servant 

Botetourt. 

Williamsburg Dec: 24'? 1768. 

His Excellency Governor Ward 

1 Botetourt was the last colonial governor of Virginia. He succeeded Fauquier in 
1768. His efforts to bring about a reconciliation between the colonists and the mother 
country were sincere, and he keenly felt their failure. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 4 1 3 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR LYNDON.^ 

Esteemed Fr^. 

Thy favour of 3^ Octf^ with sundry Papers re- 
specting the Crown Point money I received and Im- 
mediately waited on the present Chancellor of the 
Exchequer and stated the Case to him, he received 
me Courteously and I had hopes of Success from my 
Interview with him, and I Accordingly Exhibitted 
my Memorial afresh to the Lords of the Treasury 
and Attended the Board sev! times thereon But after 
the same was read and Considered they came to a 
Resolution to postpone giving an Answer thereto for 
the present which is all that I can obtain at this 
Time. 

Thy Letter of 14*!' Nov' 1768 came also to hand 
and Inclosed is a Copy of the King's free Pardon 
Attested by one of Lord Hillsbrough's Clerks the 
Original is left with the Recorder of London this 
is a Sufficient Authority for thee to Issue thy War- 
rant to discharge her.^ 

Inclosed is my Account with the Colony. I hope 
the Assembly will Agree to allow me what I have 
taken the Liberty of charging (tho' with submission 
to the Assembly) for the stated Yearly allowance 

1 The compromise candidate referred to in note to letter of May 20, 1767. Josias 
Lyndon was an amiable man, who had for many years served the colony as clerk of the 
court of common pleas. He was nominated by the Hopkins party from among 
Ward's friends, as previously agreed. The deputy-governor was nominated in the 
same way by the Ward party. Lyndon served but one year, and then returned to his 
former office. 

2 Not in the archives. The Parliamentary grant for 1756 is meant. 

8 The reference is to the pardon of a negro woman, convicted of the murder of her 
bastard child. 



414 Correspondence of the 

upon the Old Establishment is very inadequate to 
the Trouble and Attendance required in Transact- 
ing the Business of the Colony. More especially of 
late Years they have required great Solicitation and 
Application, the Consideration of which I shall sub- 
mit to the Generosity of the Assembly, and if the 
Assembly should Resolve not to let my Account 
stand as it now does I must request I may Receive 
a Remittance for so much as is allowed to be justly 
due to me I am with great regard to thyself and the 
Gent of the Genl Assembly, their and thy respectfull 
Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

Warnford Court Throgmorton Street 4 Feb : 1769. 

To JosiAS Lyndon Esq! 

Gov! of the Colony of Rhode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations in 

New England America. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO MOSES BROWN.^ 

Respected Fr^ 

I received thy favour of I4'^ March and gladly Em- 
brace a Correspondence, which I wish may be con- 
tinued ; I have sent my Acco* I believe in time for the 
last May assembly but what has been done thereon 
I know not, having received no Advices from the 
Assembly for a considerable time, I shof Esteem it 

1 Copied from the Moses Brown Papers, in the Rhode Island Historical Society. 
Moses Brown, the well-known merchant and philanthropist, was a deputy for Provi- 
dence in 1769 and in 1770. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 415 

a particular favour to receive from thee by the first 
Conveyance after the closing of a Sessions, an Acco' 
of so much of their Business as relates to myself, 
and also whatever is proper and necessary for me to 
know. 

I observe thy Advice in respect to keeping up a 
regular Correspondence with the Colony and shall 
pay proper regard to it. 1 never did according to the 
best of my Recollection and Belief receive any Vote 
of Assembly or Order for Mediterranean passes, If I 
had I shof have complied with it. 

I am Thy respectful Fr^ 

Joseph Sherwood 

Warnford Court Throgmorton Street 
21'.' July 1769 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR WANTON.^ 

Esteemed Fr^. 

Pursuant to the requisition in thy favour of 21^* 
June I have sent Ten Mediterranean passes. 

In respect to the money due to the Colony, I have 
Used my Utmost Endeavours to Obtain the payment, 
but as it has never yet been Voted by the House of 
Commons, it cannot be procured but by a Compli- 
ance with the Parliamentary requisition respecting 
the sufferers by the Riots.^ 

There has been but little Business done since the 

1 For an account of Governor Wanton see p. xxxii of the Introduction. He was 
elected in May, 1769. 

2 See Wanton's letter to Lord Hillsborough of June 17, 1769, in Col. Rec. of R. I., 
VI. 590. 



4i6 Correspondence of the 

sitting of the present Parliament, Occasioned by the 
death of the Speakers ; Sir Fletcher Norton is Ap- 
pointed Speaker of the House of Commons in the 
stead of Sr John Cust deceased. 

The Commons have Ordered the Papers relating 
to America to be laid before them, and they are to 
enter upon the Consideration of the General State 
of America, some Day next Week, I shall Advise you 
so soon as any Resolutions are formed, I am with 
all due regard to thyself and the Gent of the Genl 
Assembly 

Their and thy respectfull Frf 

Joseph Sherwood 

Warnford Court Throgmorton Street 
26 Jan = 70 

To Joseph Wanton Esq!" 

Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations 
in New England America 



THE ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND TO THE ASSEMBLY OF RHODE 

ISLAND. 

Maryland Feb7 26*!" 1770 
Sir^ 

A Copy of the resolutions of the House of Bur- 
gesses of the Colony of Virginia entered into the 
16'!" of May last^ being sent to me by the Hon^f* 
Speaker was laid before the House of Delegates of 
this Province at their Session in November last who 

1 The Virginia resolutions are printed in Col. Rec. of R. /., VI. 603. 




JOSEPH WANTON 
I 769- I 7 75 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 417 

upon full consideration thereof were of opinion they 
could not more clearly evince their approbation of 
the conduct of the very respectable House of Bur- 
gesses of His Majesty's Antient colony of Virginia on 
so alarming an occasion than by readily and unani- 
mously entering into resolutions of a similar nature. 
A Copy of which in obedience to their order I now 
transmit to you/ as I do to the Speakers of all the 
Other Houses of Assembly on the Continent and am 
with the greatest respect S"" 

Your most Obed* Serv 

RobT Lloyd Speaker 
Rhode Island. 

Resolutions of the House of Delegates of Maryland} 

By the Lower House of Assembly of the Province of Maryland Novem- 
ber Session 1769. 

Resolved unanimously, That the Representatives of the Free- 
men of this Province in their legislative Capacity, with the Assent 
of the other Part of the Legislature, have the sole Right to lay 
Taxes and impositions on the Inhabitants of this Province, on 
their Property and Effects ; and that the laying, imposing, levy- 
ing, or collecting, any Tax, on, or from the Inhabitants of Mary- 
land under Colour of any other Authority, is unconstitutional, and 
a direct Violation of the Rights of the Freemen of this Province. 

Resolved unanimously, That it is the undoubted Privilege of 
the inhabitants of this Province to Petition their Sovereign for 
Redress of Grievances, and that it is Lawful and expedient to 
procure the concurrence of His Majesty's other Colonies, in duti- 
ful Addresses, praying the royal Interposition, in Favour of the 
Violated Rights of America. 

Resolved unanimously. That all Trials for Treason Misprison 
of Treason, or of any Felony or Crime whatsoever committed or 

1 See the following documents. 

2 Enclosed with letter of February 26, 1770. 
VOL. II. 



41 8 Correspondence of the 

done in this Province, ought of Right to be had and conducted 
in and before the Courts of Law held within this Province, accord- 
ing to the fixed and known course of Proceeding ; And that the 
Seizing any Person, or Persons, suspected of any Crime what- 
soever committed in this Province, and Sending Such Person, or 
Persons to Places beyond the Sea to be tried is highly derogatory 
of the Rights of British Subjects as thereby the Inestimable Privi- 
lege of being tried by a Jury from the Vicinage as well as the Lib- 
erty of Summoning and procuring Witnesses on such Trial will be 
taken away from the Party accused. 



JOSEPH WANTON, JR.,^ TO MOSES BROWN.^ 

Newport April the 5"" 1770 
Z>r Sir 

I Wrote Yesterday to GovT Hopkins in great Haste 
and in a very Uncompos'd state of mind, having 
just Discover'd Fresh Instances of the Rancour and 
Malice of the Wards and their adherents, I am now 
Convinced that they are Determin'd to Displace the 
Govr if in their power, Ward has been in Town this 
Week past and by his Incessant Application has 
Rekindled I suspect the Flame in some that before 
were still, and by his Servile Behaviour has I doubt 
not Accomplish'd his Ends in the Money Way, how 
much know not yet. will our Friends your way 
Tamely Submit to this common Disturber of the 
Peace of the Colony .f* I mention'd to Mr Hopkins 
raising what could be done your Way and the 

1 Joseph Wanton, Jr., was deputy-governor from 1764 to 1767, and a supporter of 
the Hopkins interest. He joined the loyalists in New York during the British occu- 
pation, and died there in 1780. 

2 Copied from the Moses Brown Papers, in the Rhode Island Historical Society. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 419 

Double of it should be rais'd here be it more or less, 
let me Intreat of you to Instantly attend to this. I 
dont Believe our Enemies Subscriptions runs very 
high yet — a Letter sign'd by a Number of Gentle- 
men at Providence to the Govr expressing their Sur- 
prise that his Friends in Newport want that Spirit 
that Wards shows, may have a good Effect and Pre- 
pare them for the Application which has not yet 
been made. 

H. Ward is out, looking for a D : Gov', tis said 
here that Mr Tho^ Green is the Man. J. G. Wanton 
is abroad also, I suppose at Providence or Warwick, 
fixing the Deputies for those County's as will best 
Answer his own Ends. I Beg very earnestly the 
Favour of you to Write our Friends in particular at 
Warwick respecting the Deputies, and throughout 
that and your County, the D : Governor I expect 
will take the sole care of those County's, but pray you 
and Mr Hopkins to do it also, dont yet know who is 
the Warwick Magistrate, must have it by Saturday 
Night tell the D. Gov! 

The Committee have been setting several days 
here, and Finisht their Business, unanimously agree- 
ing in the Affair of the GovT the Inclos'd is an 
Answer to a Letter from the GovT to thine, which 
have their Permission to Publish, this with the Letter 
shall be done on my Return from the Court at Little 
Rest where I'm this moment going, have sent you 
the Inclos'd that the Contents may be Circulated in 
the County, but as Copy's given out. 

My best Regards to Dy Bowen, he will readily ex- 
cuse my not Writing him when he knows the Infin- 



420 Correspondence of the 

ite Perplexity and trouble I am Surrounded with, 
Apologize to all our Friends for these omissions. 
I am yf Affectn'^ Frf &c. 

J. Wanton J; 
Moses Brown Esq^ 



MOSES BROWN TO JOSEPH SHERWOOD. ^ 

Providence June 1770 

Your favor of 24*'' Feb?" is come to hand contents of 
which I duly note, have nothing to advise you only 
the Resolution of the Colonies to Continue their 
nonimportation Agreements Untill the duty on Tea 
be Repeald, which they Consider as a Design of the 
Ministry to Continue as a Test of their Right of 
Taxing the Colonies We are Sinsable that Article 
Comes Cheaper now than before but are not thereby 
to be Induced to Receive the Bate, many people here 
Apprehend a prohibition or nonimportation of Tea 
only would have been as well and Renew'd the 
Other Trade in General but this So far from pleas- 
ing the people that they have Taken the Matter Up 
and Seem Resolutely Determin'd to have as Little 
From Brittain as they Can do with untill the Duty 
be Taken of I wish to hear of the Matter's being 
Some way Setled with the India Comp^ as hinted, 
and that there may be that harmony as heretofore 
Subsistd Take place between Brittain and the Col- 
onys who are now very Jealous even to the Lowest 
Peasants 

1 Copied from the Moses Brown Papers, in the Rhode Island Historical Society. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 421 

MOSES BROWN TO JOSEPH SHERWOOD.^ 

Providence July 3* 1770. 
M"" Sherwood Sr, 

Yours of the 24'^ Feb^ and 13'^ March is before 
Me in which you Acknoledge the Rec* of mine of 
the 30"" Dec' but that of the 3^^ Nov' wherein I 
acquainted you of what had been Done in the Gen- 
eral Assembly respecting your Ace! make no men- 
tion of I have now to Acquaint you that at June 
Sessions of Assembly I applyd to the Upper House 
to Consider of the Recommendation of 2 of the 
Committee that Audited your Acctf in hopes as Gov' 
Hopkins with some other of your friends are now 
in the Lower House Something might be done, the 
Upper House Accordingly Sent down the following 
Message " In the Upper house June 12*.'' 1770. this 
House have taken into Consideration the Vote of 
the Lower House passd at October Sessions last 
upon the Agents Acct' and are of Opinion that the 
Allowance Made him by that Vote is not adequate 
to his Services and therefore recommend to the 
Lower House to Reconsider the Said Vote, and 
make him a further Allowance." Upon which a 
debate arising from the old Quarter a Vote wass 
had wether a further Allowance Should be Made or 
not which pass'd in the Negative ^ And the Trea- 
surer Directed to pay you the Balance of ^43.7.10 
Stg^ 

1 Copied from the Moses Brown Papers, in the Rhode Island Historical Society. 

2 This vote may be found in the manuscript Journal of the House for the June ses- 
sion, 1770, and on the next page it is recorded that the Upper House concurred in 
adopting the report of the committee appointed to audit the agent's accounts. The 
vote on the accounts is in the manuscript Records for 1770, p. 683. 



422 Correspondence of the 

At this time it wass moved by Several Members 
that John Madsley Esq*" Should be Sent for before 
the House to Acquaint them Respecting the Colonys 
money Detain'd in Eng^ he having before Told Sev- 
eral Members that it wass his Opinion that the 
Money might be got if propperly Applyd for and 
Signifying to them you had not Done what might 
have been, he Accordingly Attended and Informd 
that he had Some Conversation with you about it 
and that he Told you he tho't you Ought to have 
Applyd to parliament &:c. and that he Desired a 
friend of his (a person of the Law his Name Dont 
now Recollect) to make Enquiry at the offices about 
it who Could not find that any Endeavors had lately 
been Used by you to Recover it and that it wass his 
friends Opinion as well as his own that it might be 
Easily Recovered by propper Aplication, Upon this 
the Matter wass Rested for Consideration and the 
Sessions pasd without anything further being done, 
by this you will think with Me there is a Design of 
Shiffting the Agency by Some, indeed Tho^ Free- 
bodye a Member of Newport with one or Two Others 
there Moved it Others propos'd this Gen* or Some 
Other Should be Joind with you and I apprehend 
from the Temper of the House after M"^ Madsleys 
Ace* there probably may.^ we Shall Endeavor to 
Continue You alone tho' if I could entertain a doubt 

1 In the sessions of May, 1771, the attorney-general for Rhode Island, Henry Mar- 
chant, was empowered to act for the colony in conjunction with Sherwood " in all 
matters and things, which are now pending, or that may hereafter arise, in which this 
colony is, or may be interested, during his residence in Great Britain." Col. Rec. of 
R. /., VII. 29. Arnold says that he returned in the fall of 1772 with "encouraging 
reports of the prospect of speedy payment," which were never realized. History of 
Rhode Island, II. 323. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 423 

of your Endeavors for the Colonys Interest I might 
Say in Justice to my Constituents I could no Longer 
Support you at present. I conclude the Gen* men- 
tiond to be a Sollicitor of M"" Mawdsley in his Case 
in Chancery and who he wanted to favor with that 
Office perhaps to Save his Own Cause as I have 
before Taken him to be your friend. Tho' upon his 
being Ask'd if he could Recommend that Gen* as 
an Agent he Said it was a Matter of Too Much Con- 
sequence for him the Only person that Knew any- 
thing of him but at the same time gave as favorable 
an Ace* of his Character Ability &c as Necessary. 
I have thus been free to Communicate what pass'd 
which you will Consider as from One as fully Attachd 
to your Interest as before I had any of this Ace* of 
M' Madsley as I consider it arising from some Dis- 
affection to you or Attachment to the other tho' his 
Answers to the House were modest and he then 
Shewd no UnEasiness with you. 

I have now to Represent to you and Desire your 
Attention to a Matter that is highly Interesting to 
this Colony and which I have with your friends in 
General a particular desire that you Examin after. I 
am 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO MOSES BROWN.^ 

Estf". Fr^. 

Upon looking over my Plantation Letter Book, I 
do not find I ever acknowledged the Receipt of thy 
favor of 3^ November last, for which I am much 

1 Copied from the Moses Brown Papers, in the Rhode Island Historical Society. 



424 Correspondence of the 

obliged to thee ; I think the Assembly have treated 
me hardly. I have had no remittance at all even of 
the Sum they think fit to allow me, nor have I lately 
received any Advices from the Colony. 

As to the Money due to Rhode Island it never 
has been Voted by Parliament, so that it is not in 
the Treasury, nor will it ever be till the Parliamen- 
tary Requisition for making Compensation to the 
sufferers is Complied with.^ 

The Merchants are Shipping off great Quantities 
of Goods to New York, so that it appears to us 
the Importation will soon become general, as the 
rest of the Colonies must, we apprehend import in 
their own Defence. 

I am with great regard Thy ass"? Frf 

Joseph Sherwood 

Warnford Court Throgmorton Street 

4'? Sept! 1770 



JONATHAN ARNOLD TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

To the Honorable General Assembly now sitting at 
East Greenwich on the Second Monday of Sep- 
tember \_i77o\. 

Jonathan Arnold Clerk of the Superior Court for 
the County of Providence comes before your honors 
and gives your honors to understand and be informed, 
that he is very sensible of the Honor done him by 
your Honors repeatedly electing him to the Office 
afores^ yet nevertheless finding it so very incompat- 

1 See note to letter of May 15, 1766. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 425 

ible with his Interest to Serve in that Capacity, he 
hereby informs your honors that he thankfully re- 
signs the Offic afores"? into the hands of the Honor- 
able Assembly and hopes they may find a much 
better and abler Person to serve in that Ofhce. 

JoN'^ Arnold 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO MOSES BROWN.^ 

Est^. Fr^ 

I have already wrote to thee by this Conveyance, 
since which to wit ; Yesterday, I received thy Favour 
of the 3^ July; between us, I think the Assembly 
have used me very unkindly in regard to my Ac- 
count, and that I merit much more than they have 
thought fit to allow me. 

I do not much wonder at Freebody's Motion tho' 
I never had any Correspondence with him, but I was 
concerned against him and his Brother in an Appeal 
before the King and Council in which I prevailed 
to the Utmost of my Client's Wishes; this alone to 
a narrow minded Man might be Sufficient to make 
him my Enemy, but I do Confess I am astonish'd at 
my Old Friend Mawdesley and could not have Ex- 
pected such Treatment from him. I have not time 
at present to say what I have to say on the Subject 
and therefore cannot enlarge upon it. But thus far I 
will say. — 

I have done every thing in the power of Man to 
do respecting that Money Affair. That an Applica- 

1 Copied from the Moses Brown Papers, in the Rhode Island Historical Society. 



426 Correspondence of the 

tion to Parliament would have been Improper and 
Fruitless. 

I am now very much Abridged for time the Cap- 
tain having already taken away his Bag and this is 
Convoyed to the Ship by a private Hand but by the 
next Conveyance I flatter myself I shall be able to 
lay before thee such Information as will prevent thy 
Entertaining the least doubt of my Endeavours for 
the Colonys Interest. 

I shall take the necessary Care, about the Mas- 
sachusetts Incroachment with Expedition and write 
thee speedily. 

As I have wrote the above in haste and under some 
Degree of Warmth Occasioned by the unexpected 
Defection of my Quondam Friend Mawdesley, 

I hope thou will Excuse any Improprieties, I have 
a gratefuU Sence of thy Friendship and it is in full 
Confidence of that I have unbosomed myself to thee 
the further particulars of my Justification I must 
postpone till the next Opportunity. 
I am with great Regard 

Thy respectful! Frf 

Joseph Sherwood 

I ft Sept! 1770. 



JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO MOSES BROWN.^ 

Esif^. Fr^. 

I wrote thee a few days ago per the Rockingham, 
Reed ; I now sit down to Answer thy Observations 
respecting the Money Business more at large ; true 

1 Copied from the Moses Brown Papers, in the Rhode Island Historical Society. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 427 

it is that Captain Mawdesley did tell me he thought 
I should Apply to Parliament but I told him then 
which I repeat now that an Application to Parlia- 
ment (at that time especially) would be Improper 
and totally fruitless. 

Neither Esq" Mawdesley or the People of the 
Colony have a proper Understanding of the Nature 
of this Business in General or the Situation of the 
Affair in Particular, for they Imagine the Money is 
Issued and in the Treasury but it is no such Matter 
it has never yet been Voted by Parliament 

In Order to give Sanction to our Application to 
Parliament we must have the Concurrence of the 
Lords of the Treasury without which the House of 
Commons pay no regard to any Petition or Applica- 
tion whatsoever relating to Money Matters this Con- 
currence I have Endeavoured from time to time to 
Obtain but have always been refused upon the 
Ground of your not having Complyed with the Par- 
liamentary Requisition. 

I some time ago drew a Concise Account of the 
Case of the Colony and printed it one of which is 
Inclosed. I had these Delivered to the Lords of the 
Treasury, their Secretarys, the Secretarys of State, 
Lord Hilsborough and several others I have used 
every Mode of Application that is proper for which 
I dare Appeal to Joseph Harrison ^ Esq' who I be- 
lieve Understands the Business of the Treasury De- 
partment much better than Captain Mawdesley or 
his Friend, who no doubt if the Design is to get him 

1 See note to letter of August 6, 1762. 



428 Correspondence of the 

the Agency will use their Endeavours to pick — a 
Hole in my Coat. 

I do again repeat that an Application to Parlia- 
ment would have been Improper Imprudent and 
Fruitless. 

First It is absolutely necessary to have the Re- 
commendation of the Treasury Board all the rest of 
the Colonies had that Recommendation and without 
it the parliament will pay no regard to a Petition 
and tho' I am very Confident of this of my own 
knowledge yet I do not Ground myself upon that 
Intirely for I have Consulted with several Gentle- 
men hereon, Members of Parliament, Agents, the 
principal parliamentary Sollicitors, and all to a Man 
discouraged my Application to Parliament. 

Second — Supposing the Application to Parlia- 
ment was regular, yet, there is not the least Proba- 
bility of Success at this time the House of Commons 
will reject the Application now as the Colony refuses 
or at least postpones a Complyance with the Requisi- 
tions of that House.^ 

Third — Supposing a parliamentary Application 
proper every one knows those Applications are At- 
tended with great Expence the Petition Supposing 
it received at all must be referred to a Committee, 
Council must be Employed to Attend the Committee, 
and the House, the smallest Fees of each Council is 

1 In December, 1772, the sum of £179 los. 6d. sterling was granted to Dr. Moffatt, 
as compensation for the damage he sustained by the riots of 1765 •, "to be paid when 
the General Assembly shall receive information that the money due from the crown, to 
the colony, for their services in the expedition against Crown Point, in the year 1756, 
shall be received by the agent for this colony, in Great Britain." Col. Rec.of R. /., 
VII. 202. See also Wanton's letter to Lord Dartmouth, Ibid.^ VII. 222. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 429 

ten Guineas per day so that here would be an Ex- 
pence of perhaps £200 Incurred. I do therefore 
ask whether it would have been prudent or proper 
for me to have taken such a Step and Incurred such 
an Expence without Instructions from the Colony so 
to do which I never had. 

It would be a very desirable thing to me to receive 
the money and I now hope that I have fully satisfied 
thee that I have used my utmost Endeavours for that 
purpose. 

I wrote my last Letter hastily if there is any thing 
either in that or this Improper I hope thou will ex- 
cuse it. 

I think it would be proper to Communicate the 
above to Stephen Hopkins Esq": 

I am Thy Ass^ respectfull Frf 

Joseph Sherwood 

22?Septr 1770. 

N B. Since Writing the above I have also wrote 
to Stephen Hopkins Esq^ 



J. POWNALL TO GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF RHODE ISLAND. 

Circular. 

Whitehall i'.' July 1772. 
Gentlemen, 

I send you herewith, by the Earl of Hillsborough's 
Directions, printed Copies of such Acts passed in 
the last Session of Parliament, as relate to America. 
I also inclose His Majesty's gracious Speech to 



430 Correspondence of the 

both Houses of Parliament on the 9*^ of last Month, 
I am, Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient humble Servant 

J POWNALL 

Governor and Company of Rhode Island. 



LORD DARTMOUTH^ TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF 
RHODE ISLAND. 

Whitehall 3? March 1773. 
Gentlemen^ 

It appearing by a letter from Rear Admiral Mon- 
tagu to the Lords of the Admiralty, dated the 19"? 
of January, that the Fort, in the Harbour of Rhode 
Island, had not paid the proper Respect to the 
British Flag ; The King, who is justly incensed at 
such an Indignity, has commanded me to signify to 
you His Majesty's Pleasure; that you do give the 
necessary Orders that His Majesty's Ships of War, 
coming into any of the Ports within the Colony of 
Rhode Island, and having an Admiral's Flag or 
broad Pennant hoisted, be saluted in such manner as 
is usual in all other Parts of His Majesty's Domin- 
ions in America. 

I am. Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient humble Servant 

Dartmouth 

Governor and Company of Rhode Island. 

1 Appointed Secretary of State in 1772. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 43 1 

LORD DARTMOUTH TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF 
RHODE ISLAND. 

Whitehall 10 April 1773. 
Gentlemen^ 

Having received and laid before The King a Let- 
ter from M' Wanton dated the iG'I" of February last,* 
on the subject of a claim which he expresses to be a 
demand of the Colony of Rhode Island upon the 
Crown, to be reimbursed a sum of money expended 
by the said Colony for public services in the late 
War; I have received His Majestyss Commands to 
transmit the letter, and the papers inclosed, to the 
Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, and as I shall 
be glad of any opportunity of shewing a favourable 
attention to the interests of the Colony, I shall not 
fail to recommend the present application to the at- 
tention of the Treasury Board. 

I am Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient humble Servant, 

Dartmouth 

Governor and Company of Rhode Island. 



THE EXECUTORS OF JOSEPH SHERWOOD TO THE GOVERNOR 
AND COMPANY OF RHODE ISLAND, 

London 26'.'' June 1 773. 
The Gover7ior and Comp". of the Province of Rhode 

Island &cf 
Respected Friends 

We have with sorrow to advise you of the Decease 
of your Late Agent, and our worthy Friend Joseph 

1 See Col. Rec. of R. /., VII. 222. 



432 Correspondence of the 

Sherwood, who departed this Life on the first of this 
month, after a short indisposition. We being ap- 
pointed his Executors, on Looking over his Affairs 
find that he drew a bill on you for Two Hundred 
Pounds Sterling to the order of Ralph Inman Esq^ 
of Boston on the 12* of March Last, which bill we 
understand you have suffer'd to be Noted, because 
he had not sent you his Acco! Curr! with your Col- 
ony at the same time, and also because he had 
not acknowledged the receipt of your remittance for 
;^43 . 7 . 10: in the year 1769 ; which objections we 
shall now remove, first by acknowledging that he did 
receive that sum from you, and that we shall consider 
it in full to that year ; and next, by sending you his 
Acco! ^ Curr! subsequent to that time, which you 
will receive inclosd and thereby perceive there is 
a Ballance of Three Hundred and Twenty Three 
pounds 3/ 8*? Sterling due from the Colony to his 
Estate. On Examining this Acco! we make no doubt 
it will be found right, and regularly passed, especially 
as the Salary therein charged is no more than you 
formerly have thought reasonable, tho' he certainly 
thought it inadequate to the Appointment ; on this 
Acco' we hope you will please to order payment of 
the said bill for Two Hundred pounds, and also the 
remainder of the Ballance, being One Hundred and 
Twenty Three pounds 3/ 8*^ Sterling to our friend 
Ralph Inman Esq^of Boston, whose discharge to you 
shall be deemed sufficient on our Account. 

1 See enclosure. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 433 

We hope for your complyance in this matter and 
are with much respect. 

Your Assured Freends 

Ann Sherwood 
Tho^ Kellam 

To The Governor and Company of the Colony of 
Rhode Island and Providence Plantation in 
New England 
Rhode Island 

[Enclosure.] 

At the Assembly held the third Monday in August, 1773, the manu- 
script record reads as follows : 

Whereas the following Account was exhibited to this Assembly, to 
wit: 

D! The Colony of Rhode Island, in New England, in America, 

with the Establishment of Joseph Sherwood, 

1770. To Cash paid Fees for the Pardon of a ) 

Negro 1 ^5 • . 5 • • - 

To Cash paid for Ten Mediterranean Passes ) 

and sundry Expences thereon S 13.. 13.. - 

Aug! 20. To One Years Salary due this Day, , , . 40. . - - 
To Expences and Gratuities to the Clerks, 
Messengers and DoorKeepers, of the sev- 
eral Public Offices, the Houses of Lords 
and Commons, Coach-Hire and other 
Petty Expences during said Year , . .j 30. 
1771 I Paid for copying Papers relating to the ) 

Janr ) Stamp-Act Riots, \ i,,io- 

Aug! 20, To One Years Salary 40 , . - - 

To Expences and Gratuities as before , . 30 . . - - 
To Bill of Costs relating to the Boundaries , 14 , , I , . - 
Paid copying all the Papers relating to the > 

Money due from the Crown to the Colony \ 2 . , - - 

1772, I -Yo One Years Salary 40 . , - - 

Aug! ; 

To Expences and Gratuities as before ... 30 , . - - 

VOL. II. 



434 Correspondence of the 

Paid Postage of Letters relating to the Gas- ) 
pee Schooner \ 1..2. 

Paid making Fac Simile Copies of the said 1 
Papers \ i.. - 

Paid Postage of Affidavits and Papers from ) 
Rhode Island, relating to Doctor Moffats > 
Claim ) 3.. 2., 

Paid making Fac Simile Copies thereof . . i . . 10 . , 

[■ To One Years Salary 40 

To Expences and Gratuities as before . . 30 



1773- 
Augr 



Creditor. ;^323 • • 3 • • 8. 

1773. By Ballance due to the Estate of Joseph^ 

Sherwood \ ^^3^3 • • 3 • ■ 8. 

Errors Excepted 

Ann Sherwood 
Thomas Kellam. 

London, 26'." June, 1773. 

And the said Account being duly examined. It is Voted and Re- 
solved, That the same be and hereby is allowed, and that Three Hun- 
dred and Twenty-three Pounds, Three Shillings and Eight Pence Ster- 
ling, being the Amount thereof, be paid out of the General Treasury, to 
the Executors of Joseph Sherwood Esqr. deceased, the late Agent for 
this Colony in Great Britain. 



THE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE AT BOSTON TO THE 
COMMITTEE AT NEWPORT. 

Boston March 29. 1774 
Gentlemen^ 

The Committee of Correspondence for this Town 
have with pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your 
favor by M' Goddard ; the important subject upon 
which you write us has engaged our most serious at- 
tention 

We are fully sensible that the Post Office upon the 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 435 

present footing is unconstitutional, and a usurpation 
of the British Parliament no longer to be born. 
The Act which originated this Office is to all in- 
tents and purposes a Revenue Act, and is formidable 
and dangerous to the liberties of America, as the 
Officers have it in their power to intercept our com- 
munications, to extort what they please, and to apply 
them to divide us, and then to inslave us — it is a 
power that extends thro' all the Colonies, and is un- 
safe in the hands of those who have for a long time 
convinced us, that a regard to the rights of Mankind, 
is not the principle upon which they act — We can- 
not make opportunities but we may and ought to 
improve them, the present looks favourable to our 
wishes, to have the Post Office established upon a 
constitutional basis ; Accordingly we have given M' 
Goddard a favourable reception and close attention 
to his plan,^ have felt the pulse of the Inhabitants, 
and find a general approbation of the measure among 
the friends of American rights, but as it is necessary 
to consult with all the Maritime Towns before a 
plan can be fully adopted, we cannot write you more 
particularly at this time. 

We have wrote to the several Trading Towns to 
the Eastward and Northward and sent them by M*^ 
Goddard who Is gone upon that tour, and are in 
hopes to write you again shortly ; in the mean while 
we Shall be glad you will be ripening a plan, and 
communicating to us your farther thoughts upon this 

1 William Goddard, formerly publisher of the Providence Gazette, and afterward a 
printer in Philadelphia and Baltimore, prepared a plan for the reorganization of the 
postal service throughout the colonies. 



436 Correspondence of the 

interesting Subject, and are with all due respects 
Gentlemen 

Your most humble Servants 

Signed by order and in behalf of the Com- 
mittee of Correspondence for Boston. 

William Cooper Clerk 

To The Gentlemen the Committee of Correspond- 
ence for the Town of Newport 



W. KNOX TO THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF RHODE 
ISLAND. 

Whitehall i'.* June 1774. 
Gentlemen^ 

I am directed by the Earl of Dartmouth to trans- 
mit to you the two inclosed Acts of Parliament,^ 
passed in the present Session, and to desire you 
will cause the same to be made public in your Col- 
ony. 

I am, Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient Humble Servant 

W Knox 

Governor and Company of Rhode Island 



1 There were three acts of Parliament passed this session relating to the colonies : 
the Boston Port Bill, prohibiting the landing or shipping goods at Boston ; the Massa- 
chusetts Government Act, transferring the appointment of civil and administrative 
officials from the people to the Crown ; and an act forbidding public meetings without 
permission from the governor. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 437 



THE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE OF MASSACHUSETTS 

to the committee of rhode island. 

Province of Massach' Bay Boston 
June 4 1774 
Gentlemen 

We take the earliest opportunity to Inclose you 
Copies of two Bills brought into Parliament, and 
before this time probably Enacted, which we have 
just received by a Vessel in Thirty six days from 
Bristol/ It is also Confidently reported that a Third 
Bill is to be brought into Parliament for the better 
regulating the Governments of the other Provinces 
in North America These Edicts, Cruel and oppres- 
ive as they are, we consider as but bare Specimens 
of what the Continent are to Expect from a Par- 
liament who Claim a Right to make Laws binding 
us in all Cases whatsoever. 

We are your friends and fellow Countrymen 

Thomas Cushing 

Samuel Adams 

Joseph Hawley 

Thomas Gardner J 

To the Gentlemen the Committee of Correspond- 
ence appointed by the House of Deputies of the 
Colony of Rhode Island. 



Comm"^^ of 
^ Corre- 
spondence 



1 See note to preceding letter. 



43^ Correspondence of the 

JOHN SHERWOOD TO GOVERNOR WANTON. 

Hon F% 

I received Your Favor of 28*!* May last, and am 
much Obliged to You for the News Papers Sent 
therewith which were very acceptable. 

This being a time of recess, I have nothing new 
to communicate respecting America, except that a 
report was raised some time since that the Ministry 
intended to bring a Bill into Parliament the next 
Sessions of Parliament to Vacate Your Charter, and 
to add part of Your Colony to the Province of Massa- 
chusetts Bay, and part to the Colony of Connecticut, 
but I only look upon such Report as one of the many 
that are continually circulated in this City, without 
Foundation, and I should not have thought it worth 
mentioning had it not gained Belief on some that 
are connected with Your Colony. 

Most of our Nobility and Gentry are in the Coun- 
try making Interest against the next General Elec- 
tion for Members of Parliament, and it is expected 
there will be much Opposition to the Friends of the 
Ministry 

I beg Your acceptance of the inclosed News Papers 
and am with respect 

Your much oblidged hble Serv! 

John Sherwood 

13^ Aug'.' 1774 

The Hon^!* Joseph Wanton Esql" 

Gov' of the Colony of Rhode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 439 

JOHN NORTHUP TO NICHOLAS COOKE.^ 

N? Kingstown Feb^ the 16 1775 

I Rec*^ your favour By my Brother and am obliged 
to you for your Spirited opinion Concerning the 
Torys S! I am So Engaged I Canot attend the 
Committy therefore pray your hon' to assist Mr alien 
the Parson that has the Care of this Litter in giting 
all the Guns that Can Be had from providence Sr 
we Shall Want to aquip the men Now Enlisted 140 
Guns and Expect to have them from providence 
pray Send as many New Guns as you Can as the 
Soldiers may Go forward Soon S' I am Endeavour- 
ing to procure Blankits &:c and all other esentials, 
I am S' y^ Hon" 

Htim** obed Serv* 

John Northup 

To the Honor^'^ Nicholas Cooke Esq", 
Providence 



ANONYMOUS LETTER, 

Dear Sir 

Our intelligence and that from a certain quarter 
is that the Troops are to be removed to New York 
where the whole Army is to rendasvous to the num- 
ber, as they compute, of 13 thousand. The con- 
tractors have orders to furnish six months provisions 

1 Cooke was deputy -governor in 1768, and again elected to that office in May, 1775, 
in place of Darius Sessions, who declined to serve. After the deposition of Wanton, 
Cooke became governor. 



440 Correspondence of the 

at that place, for such a number. They are under 
great apprehensions of the assistance you will receive 
from Virginia, and this station they think will enable 
them to cut off all such communication effectually, 
as well as the Patriotic party in that province and 
secure its desertion from the common cause. 

It is hardly possible to say what is the determind 
intention respecting the whole American plan So 
many contrary declarations are made that, one is apt 
to suspect they are either much embarassed or very 
cunning in preventing preparations against the co- 
erceive measures upon which they have resolvd, the 
latter is in my oppinion the fact, and therefore I think 
any remission of vigilance and activity on your part 
may be mischievious You may be assured that a 
Bishop is to be sent as soon as it appears such a 
measure may be adopted with safety ^ 

God bless you adieu 

February 24. 1775 

March 2 

It is said now that General Gage is not to leave 
Boston, that part of the troops now sending from 
hence, are to go to Boston and part to New York to 
prevent communication between the Southern Colo- 
nies and New England, secure that Colony and pro- 
tect the traitors there. New York is also to be a 
place of Arms and provisions, and to be provided 
there to supply the Army in New England 

Endorsed: Anonymous. Feby. 24. 1775. 

1 This measure was a source of continual anxiety to the colonists. 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 441 



SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF NEW YORK TO THE SPEAKER 
OF THE ASSEMBLY OF RHODE ISLAND. 

New York April 10'." 1775. 
Sir^ 

By an Order of the General Assembly of this 
Colony, I am directed to transmit you the inclosed 
papers, upon the Subject of the unhappy situation of 
American Affairs, they contain a List of Griev- 
ances with the Resolutions of the House in Conse- 
quence thereof, and also a Petition to the King, a 
Memorial to the House of Lords, and a Representa- 
tion and Remonstrance to the Commons of Great 
Britain. I am also directed to request of you to lay 
the same before the House of Assembly of your 
Colony at their first Meeting after the Receipt hereof, 
I shall only add that our Assembly stand adjourned 
until the third Day of May next, and that I am 
respectfully, Sir, 

Your most Hum*"?^ Servant 

John Cruger Speaker 

To The Speaker of the General Assembly, of the 
Colony of Rhode Island. 



SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE IN CONNECTICUT TO THE SPEAKER 
OF THE HOUSE IN RHODE ISLAND. 

Lebanon July 12')' 1775 
Sir 

I am to acknowledge the Honor of Your Favor of 
the 4*.*' Ins*, and had the Pleasure of receiving it in 



442 Correspondence of the 

the Chair while our Assembly was sitting and com- 
municating its Contents to the House, who have 
great Satisfaction in Your Firmness and noble Ex- 
ertions. We are almost to a Man deeply impressed 
with the highest Sense of Importance of supporting 
at every Hazard and Expence, a Cause unspeakably 
important, and big with the Fate of born and unborn 
Millions. We have already emitted 150 thousand 
pounds, and 100 thousand more will not be sufficient 
to finish the expence of this years Campaign ; I trust 
the one half of our Estates will be deemed a small 
Sacrifice in a Cause of such magnitude. We have 
high Satisfaction to find so happy a Union to have 
taken Place thro out the Colonies, and particularly 
that our only free Sister of Rhode Island have em- 
braced the same Sentiments, and are making the 
same glorious Efforts in the same glorious comon 
Cause. We humbly Hope That Heaven will approve 
and smile propitious on our common Attempts to 
vindicate the Rights and Liberties which God Al- 
mighty gave to be the common Lot and Portion of 
Mankind. Our utmost Endeavors ought not to be 
wanting and We may then chearfully leave the Event 
with the Sovereign Judge of Right and Wrong. 

Our Assembly was called on the first Ins^ on a 
pressing Request of the Massachusetts Congress, for 
a reinforcement of Men &c. They have chearfully 
raised two additional Regiments to consist of seven 
hundred Men each, exclusive of Officers, under the 
Command of Col?'s Webb and Huntington, and They 
are filling up with all Expedition, and hope They 
will very soon march. They have also ordered two 



Colonial Governors of Rhode Island 443 

Vessels well armed and man'd to be fitted out imme- 
diately for Defence of the Coasts against the Ene- 
my's small Craft which are harassing the Trade &c. 

Have also ordered all the Salt Petre and Sulphur 
in the Colony to be forthwith collected and sent to 
New York to be manufactured into Powder, agre- 
able to the Request of the Continental Congress. 

Our Assembly did not pass any Act for subjecting 
our Troops to the Command of the Continental Gen^ 
Officers, seeming to take it for granted that it wod 
be freely and readily come into by all, without ; but 
possibly it might have been better to have subjected 
them as Your Assembly have done. It was strongly 
moved in the two last Sessions of our Assembly to 
put a remaining quarter of our Militia into the 
Posture of Minute Men, but having done so much 
already and the Colony so tho'ro'ly alarmed as to be 
all in a manner minute Men, it was thot by the Ma- 
jority not necessary, especially at this extreem busie 
Season. 

You very justly observe " That every Thing valu- 
able to Man is at Stake " Under the Influence of 
the same firm Persuasion, this Colony will not cease 
or remit Her continued and utmost Exertions in 
Defence of the all important Cause which cannot be 
defended at too dear a Rate, and I doubt not, our 
Armys will play the Men for our Country and for 
the City of our God ; and the Lord do what seemeth 
Him Good. 

I am with very great Respect and Esteem 
Sir Your most Obed' and most H. Servant 

W^ Williams Speaker 



444 Correspondence of the Colonial Governors 

P.S. our latest Accounts from Canada, are, that 
the Inhabitants are very pressing, that our Forces 
shod penetrate into their Country, and stand ready 
to join Us, and are so oppressed and abused by their 
Tyrant for refusing &c, that they fear they shall be 
necessitated to take up against [us], unless We aid 
them to take up for Us. 

Pray my best Regards to Doc"" Babcock. 

To The Hon^^^ Metcalf Bowler Esq' 

Speaker of the House of Assembly. Rhode 
Island. 



APPENDIX 



APPENDIX 



A CHRONOLOGICAL LIST 

OF THE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COLONIAL GOV- 
ERNORS OF RHODE ISLAND, 1731 TO 177S 

Printed in the Colonial Records of Rhode Island. 



[The references are to volume and page of the Colonial Records.] 

173 1, August 20. Governor Jencks to George IL IV. 458. 

1 73 1, August 30. Memorial of Nathaniel Kay and Others to the 

Lords of Trade. IV. 457. 
1 73 1, August 30. Address and Petition of the Governor and 

Company of Rhode Island to George II. IV. 459. 

1739, July 5. The Lords of Trade to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. V. 6. 

1740, January 9. Governor Ward to the Lords of Trade. V. 8. 
1740, May 20. The Lords of Trade to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. V. 7. 

1740, August I. The Lords of Trade to Governor Wanton. 

IV. 586. 

1740, August I. The Lords of Trade to the Boundary Commis- 
sioners. IV, 586. 

1740, September 4. Royal Commission appointing Boundary 
Commissioners. IV. 587. 

*i74i, August 12. General Wentworth to Governor Ward. 

V. 30. 

*i74f, March 15. Governor Greene to the Duke of Newcastle. 

V.79. 
1744, March 31. The Duke of Newcastle to Governor Greene. 

V. 80. 
*i744, June 5. Josiah Willard to Governor Greene. V. 93. 



448 Appendix 

1745, January 3. Duke of Newcastle to the Governors in Amer- 
ica. V. 132. 

*i745, January 29. Governor Shirley to Governor Greene. V. 74. 

1745, March 28. Governor Shirley to Governor Greene. V. 133. 

1745, April 15. Governor Clinton to Governor Greene. V. 133. 

1745, May 3. Governor Shirley to Governor Greene. V. 134. 

*i745, May 18. Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton. V. 134. 

1745, June 5. Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton. V. 135. 

1745, June 6. Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton. V. 136. 

1745, June 24. Sir Peter Warren to Governor Wanton. V. 137. 

1745, June 24. Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton. V. 137. 

1745, July 3. Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton. V. 138. 

1745, July 18. Captain Fones to Governor Wanton. V. 140. 

1745, July 25. Sir Peter Warren to Governor Wanton. V. 139. 

1745, July 30. Captain Fones to Governor Wanton. V. 141. 

1745, August 13. General Pepperell to Governor Wanton. V. 141. 

1745, August 14. Governor Phips to Governor Wanton. V. 142. 

1745, August 23. Governor Wanton to Sir Peter Warren. V. 139. 

1745, September 13. General Pepperell to Governor Wanton. 
V. 143. 

1745, November 15. Certificate by Roger Wolcott. V. 155. 

1745, November 26. Sir Peter Warren to Governor Wanton. 
V. 148. 

1745, December 20. Governor Wanton to Richard Partridge. 

V. 145. 

1746, January 25, Sir Peter Warren and General Pepperell to 

Governor Wanton. V. 150. 

1746, March 14. Duke of Newcastle to Governor Wanton. 
V. 161. 

1746, April 9. Duke of Newcastle to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. V. 162. 

1746, May 6. Sir Peter Warren and General Pepperell to Gov- 
ernor Wanton. V. 171. 

1746, June 29. Sir Peter Warren to Governor Greene. V. 183. 

1746, July. Governor Greene to Sir Peter Warren. V. 183. 

1746, July 4. Governor Shirley and Sir Peter Warren to Gov- 
ernor Greene. V. 185. 

1746, July 18. Governor Greene to Governor Shirley and Sir 
Peter Warren. V. 187. 



Appendix 449 

*i746, September 29. Governor Shirley and Sir Peter Warren 

to Governor Greene. V. 191. 
1746, October 3. Governor Greene to Governor Shirley and Sir 

Peter Warren. 
1746, October 23. Governor Shirley and Sir Peter Warren to 

Governor Greene. V. 195. 

1746, October 27. Governor Shirley to Governor Greene. V. 196. 
*i746, November 4. Governor Shirley to Governor Greene. 

V. 203, 
*i747, January 5. Governor Shirley to Governor Greene. V. 206. 

1747, January 26. Sir William Johnson to Governor Shirley. 

V. 210. 
1747, February 7. Governor Shirley to Governor Greene. V. 209. 
1747, February 9. Governor Shirley to Governor Greene. V. 210. 
1747, February 20. Governor Greene to Governor Shirley. V. 211. 
1747, March 5. Josiah Willard to Governor Greene. V. 212. 
1747, May 18. Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton, V. 216. 
1747, June 29. Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton. V. 219. 
1747, July 3. Governor Wanton to Governor Shirley. V. 220. 
1747, August 20. Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton. V. 224. 
1747, October 10. Governor Knowles and Governor Shirley to 

Governor Wanton. V. 227. 
1747, October 23. Governor Wanton to Governor Shirley and 

Governor Knowles. V. 230. 
1747, October 26. Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton. V. 231. 
1747, October 29. Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton. V. 231. 
1747, October 31. Governor Wanton to Governor Shirley and 

Admiral Knowles. V. 233, 

1747, December 28, Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton. 

V. 235. 

1748, January 9. Governor Wanton to the Lords of the Treasury. 

V. 236. 
1748, January 11, Governor Wanton to Richard Partridge. 

V. 236. 
1748, January 14. Governor Wanton to Governor Shirley. 

V. 240. 
1748, May 7. The Duke of Bedford to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. V. 247. 
1748, June 8. Thomas Hill to the Governor and Company of 



450 Appendix 

Rhode Island, with Queries from the Lords of Trade. 
V. 257. 
1748, June 28. Duke of Bedford to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. V, 250. 
748, July 8. Chambers Russell to Governor Greene. V. 258. 

748, August 9. Duke of Bedford to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. V. 254. 

749, March 13. Governor Greene to the Duke of Bedford. 

V. 286. 
749, March 13. Governor Greene to Richard Partridge. V. 286. 
749, June 18. Governor Greene to Richard Partridge. V. 270. 
749, July 19. Duke of Bedford to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. V. 278. 
749, November 9. Governor Phips to Governor Greeneo 

V. 293. 

749, December i. Governor Greene to Governor Phips. V. 294. 

750, April 14. Duke of Bedford to Governor Greene. V. 313. 
750, May 29. Thomas Hill to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. V. 314. 
750, September 4. Petition to the Crown. V. 311. 
750, December 4. Governor Greene to Richard Partridge. 

V. 315- 

752, March 13. Lords of Trade to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. V. 350. 

752, March 30. Earl of Holdernesse to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. V. 350. 

752, March 30. Earl of Holdernesse to the Lords of Trade. 

V. 353- 

752, April 16. The Lords Justices to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. V. 355. 

752, April 28. Lords of Trade to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. V. 355. 

752, June 4. Governor Greene to Richard Partridge. V. 359. 

753, March 2. Governor and Company of Rhode Island to the 

King. V. 367. 

753. June 28, Earl of Holdernesse to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. V. 380. 

753, August 28. Earl of Holdernesse to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. V. 397. 



Appendix 



451 



754 

754 
754 
754 
754 
754 
754 
754 

754: 

755 

755 
755 

755 

755 

755 
755 
755 
755 



755 
755 



Governor De Lancey to Governor GreenCo 



January 13. Governor Shirley to Governor Greene. 
V. 380. 
March 19, Governor De Lancey to Governor Greene. 

V.385. 
April 22. 

V. 383- 
July 5. Sir T. Robinson to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. V. 397. 
August 20. Report of the Rhode Island Commissioners to 

the Albany Congress. V. 393. 
October 25. Sir T. Robinson to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. V. 406. 
October 26. Sir T. Robinson to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. V. 406. 
November 4. Sir T. Robinson to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. V. 408. 
November 8. Governor Sharpe to Governor Greene. 

V. 403. 
January 4. Deputy-Governor Gardner to Governor Shirley. 

V. 405. 
January 23. T. Robinson to Governor Greene. V. 417. 
February 5. Governor Shirley to Governor Greene. 

V. 412. 
February 17. 

V. 413- 
February 17. Governor 

V. 414. 
February 24. Governor 

V. 414. 
April 2. Memorial of Richard Partridge to the Lords of 

Trade. V. 521. 
June 19. T. Robinson to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. V. 436. 
July 15. J. Pownall to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island, with Queries from the Lords of Trade- 

V. 436. 
August 25. Governor Phips to Governor Hopkins. V. 439. 
September 19. Governor Shirley to General Johnson. 

V. 455- 



Governor 



Shirley to 
Shirley to 
Shirley to 



Governor Greene. 



Governor Greene. 



Governor Greene. 



452 Appendix 

1755, September 24. Governor Shirley to General Johnson. 

V. 459- 
1755, September 25. Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins. 

V. 461. 
1755, October 29. Governor Phips to Governor Hopkins. V. 466. 
1755, November 4. J. Pownall to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. V. 467. 

1755, November 11. T. Robinson to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. V. 467. 

1756, January 12. Colonel Gleasier to Governor Hopkins. 

V. 472. 
1756, January 30. Sir Charles Hardy to Governor Hopkins. 

V. 475. 

1756, February 2. Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins. 

V. 473- 
1756, March 11. Governor Hopkins to Governor Shirley. 

V. 563. 
1756, March 13. H. Fox to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island. V. 485. 
1756, March 13. H. Fox to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island. V. 520. 
1756, April 2. General Johnson to Governor Hopkins. V. 521. 
1756, April 4. Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins. V. 523. 
1756, April 18. Sir Charles Hardy to Governor Hopkins. V. 523. 
1756, April 26. Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins. V. 525. 
1756, May 2. General Winslow to Governor Hopkins. V. 526. 
1756, May. Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins. V. 526. 
1756, May 12. Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins. V. 527. 
1756, May 13. J. West to Governor Hopkins. V. 527. 
1756, May 17. H. Fox to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island. V. 528. 
1756, June 14. General Winslow to Governor Hopkins. V. 528. 
1756, June 18. H. Fox to the Governor and Company of Rhode 

Island. V. 529. 
1756, July I. Sir Charles Lawrence to Governor Hopkins. 

V. 529. 
1756, July 12. Sir William Johnson to General Abercromby. 

V. 529. 
1756, July 13. Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins. V. 531. 



Appendix 453 

1756, July 16. Governor Hopkins to the Committee of War of 

Massachusetts. V. 564. 
1756, July 23. Lord Loudoun to Governor Hopkins. V. 531. 
1756, August 7. Colonel Babcock to the Committee of War. 

V. 532. 

1756, August 20. Lord Loudoun to Governor Hopkins. V. 510. 

1756, August 23. Governor Hopkins to the General Assembly. 

V. 502. 

1756, August 31. Charles Apthorp and Son to Governor Hopkins. 

V. 533- 
1756, September 12. Rufus Hopkins to Lord Loudoun. V. 565. 
1756, September 20. Governor Shirley to Governor Hopkins. 

V. 565. 
1756, September 30. Lord Loudoun to Governor Hopkins. 

V. 566. 
1756, October 3. Lieutenant Parker to Colonel Williams. V. 566. 
1756, Octobers. Governor Phips to Governor Hopkins. V. 567. 
1756, October 9. Lords of Trade to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. V. 546. 
1756, October 30. Lord Loudoun to Governor Hopkins. V. 545. 
1756, November 5. Lord Loudoun to Governor Hopkins. 

V. 567. 
1756, November 13. Governor Hopkins to Lord Loudoun, 

V. 569. 
1756, November 21. Lord Loudoun to Governor Hopkins. V. 569. 
*i756, December 7. W. Pitt to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. V. 570. 

1756, December 22. Lord Loudoun to Governor Hopkins. 

V. 570. 
*i757, January 29. Lord Loudoun to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. VI. 15. 

1757, February 3. The Rhode Island Commissioners to the Con- 

gress at Boston to Governor Hopkins. VI. 24. 
1757, February 3. The Rhode Island Commissioners to the 

Congress at Boston to Governor Hopkins. VI. 28. 
*i757, February 4. W. Pitt to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. VI. 39. 
1757, February 19. W. Pitt to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. VI. 39. 



454 Appendix 

1757, March 2. Lord Loudoun to Governor Hopkins. VI. 40. 

1757, March 11 or 17. General Abercromby to Governor Hop- 
kins. VL 41. 

1757, April 12. Q. M. General Robertson to Governor Hopkins. 
VL 42. 

1757, April 30. Sir Charles Hardy to Governor Hopkins. VL 42. 

1757, April 30. Lord Loudoun to Governor Hopkins. VI. 42. 

1757, May 2. Lord Loudoun to Governor Hopkins. VI. 52. 

1757, May 2. Earl of Holdernesse to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. VI. 53. 

1757, May 9. Governor Greene to Lord Loudoun. VI. 53. 

1757, May 10, Governor Greene to Colonel Angell. VL 54. 

1757, May 20. Earl of Holdernesse to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VI. 55. 

1757. Admiral Holbourne to the Governor and Company of 
Rhode Island. VI. 56. 

1757, June 3. Governor De Lancey to Governor Greene. VI. 70. 

1757, June 5. Lord Loudoun to Governor Greene. VI. 70. 

1757, June 9. Lords of Trade to the Governor and Company of 
Rhode Island. VI. 71. 

1757, June 10. Colonel Angell to Governor Greene. VI. 72. 

1757, June 14. Governor of St. Eustatius to Governor Greene. 

VI. 73. 

1757, July 30, General Webb to Governor Greene. VI. 74. 
1757, August 4. Governor Pownall to Governor Greene. VI. 81. 
1757, August 4. Captain Christie to Governor Greene. 
1757, August 5. Captain Christie to Governor Greene. 
1757, August 7. Governor Pownall to Governor Greene. 
1757, August 8. Captain Christie to Governor Greene. 
1757, August II. Captain Christie to Governor Greene. 
1757, August 13. Governor Pownall to Governor 

VL 85. 
1757, August 14. Captain Christie to Governor Greene. 
1757, August 14. Colonel Angell to Governor Greene. 
1757, August 18. Lord Loudoun to Governor Greene. 
1757, August 18. Governor Pownall to Governor 

VI. 87. 
1757, August 25. Governor Pownall to Governor Greene. 

VL 87. 



VI. 


82. 


VL 


82. 


VI 


.83. 


VL 


83- 


VI 


.84. 


Greene. 


VI 


. 86. 


VL 


167. 


VL 


87. 


Greene. 



Appendix 455 

1757, September 7. Lord Loudoun to Governor Greene. VL 99. 
1757, September 7. Lord Loudoun to Governor Greene. 

VL 100. 
*i757, September 16. W. Pitt to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. VL 100. 
1757, October 9. Lord Loudoun to Governor Greene. VI. 109. 
1757, November 14. Admiral Lord Colville to the Governor and 

Company of Rhode Island. VI, iii. 
1757, November 20. Lord Loudoun to Governor Greene. 

VL 112. 

1757, December 30. Secretary Oliver of Massachusetts to Gov- 

ernor Greene. VI. 115. 
*i757, December 30. W. Pitt to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. VI. 113. 
*i757, December 30. W. Pitt to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. VI. 115. 

1758, January 19. Secretary Oliver to Governor Greene. VI. 116. 
1758, January 30. Lord Loudoun to Governor Greene. VI. 116. 
1758, February 7. Lord Loudoun to Governor Greene. VI. 122. 
1758, February 24. Report of the Rhode Island delegates to the 

Congress at Hartford. VI. 123. 

1758, March 11. Governor Pownall to Deputy-Governor Gardner. 
VL 136. 

1758, March 14. Governor Pownall to Deputy-Governor Gardner. 
VI. 136. 

1758, March 15. General Abercromby to Deputy-Governor Gard- 
ner. VI. 136. 

1758, March 22. General Abercromby to Governor Hopkins. 
VL 138. 

1758, March 25. Governor Fitch to Governor Hopkins. VI. 138- 

1758, May 8. General Abercromby to Governor Hopkins. 
VL ISO. 

1758, May 15. General Abercromby to Governor Hopkins. 
VL 150. 

1758, June 15. Secretary Appy of New York to Governor Hop- 
kins. VL 151. 

1758, June 15. Colonel Babcock to Governor Hopkins. VL 151. 

T758, June 19 or 29. The Committee of War to Governor Hop- 
kins. VL 152. 



456 Appendix 

1758, June 25. General Order issued upon the capitulation of 

Fort William Henry. VI. 155. 
1758, June 26. General Abercromby to M. de Vaudreuil. 

VI. 155- 
1758, June 30. Secretary Appy to Governor Hopkins. VI. 156. 
1758, July 4. Colonel Babcock to Governor Hopkins. VI. 163. 
1758, July 10. Colonel Babcock to Governor Hopkins. VI. 164. 
1758, August 29. Colonel Babcock to Governor Hopkins. 

VI. 165. 
1758, September 17. Major Wall to Governor Hopkins. VI. 166. 
1758, September 18. W. Pitt to Governor Hopkins. VI. 168. 
*i758, December 9. W. Pitt to the Governor of Rhode Island. 

VI. 178. 
1758, December 18. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 

VI. 180. 

1758, December 29. W. Pitt to Governor Hopkins. VI. 180. 

1759, February 14. Admiral Durell to Governor Hopkins. 

VI. 197. 

1759, February 14. Admiral Durell to Governor Hopkins. 
VI. 197. 

1759, February 16. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 
VI. 198. 

1759, February 20. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 
VI. 199. 

1759, March 25. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 
VI. 200. 

1759, July 12. Colonel Babcock to Governor Hopkins. VI. 216. 

1759, July 27. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 217. 

1759, July 29. Colonel Babcock to Governor Hopkins, VI. 218. 

1759, August 8. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 
VI. 224. 

1759, September 3. Admiral Durell to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VI. 225. 

1759, October 22. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 
VI. 231. 

1759, November i. Admiral Colville to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VI. 231. 

1759, November 13. The Lords Justices to the Governor and 
Company of Rhode Island. VI. 232. 



Appendix 457 

1759, December 13. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 

VL 232. 

1760, January 7. Governor Hopkins to General Amherst. 

VI. 233. 
1760, January 7. Governor Hopkins to Colonel Babcock. 

VI. 234. 
*i76o, January 7. W. Pitt to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. VI. 234. 
1760, February 12. Governor Hopkins to General Amherst 

VI. 243. 
1760, February 14. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 

VI. 243. 
1760, February 18. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 

VI. 244. 
1760, February 21. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 

VI. 244. 
1760, May II. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 253. 
*i76o, December 17. W. Pitt to the Governor and Company of 

Rhode Island. VI. 262. 

1760, December 20. Governor Hopkins to W. Pitt. VI. 263. 

1 76 1, April 26. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 280. 
176 1, June 15. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 285. 
1761, June 26. Governor Hopkins to Joseph Sherwood. VI. 286. 
1 76 1, October 11. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 

VI. 295. 
1761, December 10. Sir William Johnson to Governor Hopkins. 
VI. 295. 

1761, December 12. Earl of Egremont to the Governor and 

Company of Rhode Island. VI. 296, 297. 

1762, January 7. Earl of Egremont to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. VI. 298. 
1762, February 9. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 

VI. 302. 
1762, February 21. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 

VI. 303. 
1762, March 10. Governor Hopkins to General Amherst. VI. 309. 
1762, March 21. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 309. 
1762, March 28. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 310. 
1762, April 2. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 310. 



458 Appendix 



1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 
1762 

1762 

1762 

1762 
1762 

1762 

1762 

1762 

1762 

1762 

1763 
1763 
1763 
1763 



April II. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. ¥1,311. 
April 14. Lieutenant Cornell to General Amherst. VI. 312. 
April 15. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 311. 
April 19. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 312. 
May 7. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 317. 
May 10. Governor Ward to General Amherst. VI. 318. 
May II. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 318. 
May 16. General Amherst to Governor Ward. VI. 319. 
May 24. Governor Ward to General Amherst. VI. 319. 
May 30. General Amherst to Governor Ward. VI. 320. 
June 13. General Amherst to Governor Ward. VI. 323. 
June 22. Governor Ward to Joseph Harrison. VI, 324. 
August 4. General Amherst to Governor Ward. VI. 333. 
August 6. Governor Ward to Lord Egremont. VI. 333. 
August 22. General Amherst to Governor Ward. VI. 334, 
August 30. General Amherst to Governor Ward. VI, 335. 
September 6. General Amherst to Governor Ward. 

VL 339. 
September 6. Governor Ward to General Amherst. 

VL338. 
September 15. General Amherst to Governor Ward. 

VI. 340, 
October 13, General Amherst to Governor Ward. VI. 343. 
November 11, Governor Ward to General Amherst. 

VI. 343- 
November 21. General Amherst to Governor Ward. 

VI. 344. 
November 23. General Amherst to Governor Ward. 

VI. 344. 
November 27. Earl of Egremont to the Governor and 

Company of Rhode Island. VI. 345. 
December 8, General Amherst to Governor Ward. 

VL 345. 
December 28. Governor Ward to Captain Cornell. 

VL347. 
February 14. Governor Ward to Lord Egremont. VI. 351. 
February 15. Proclamation by Governor Ward. VI. 351. 
March 30. General Amherst to Governor Ward. VI. 351. 
April 23. Governor Ward to General Amherst. VI. 352. 



1763 
1763 

1763 
1763 
1763 

1763 

1763 

1763 
1763 

1763 

1763 

1763 

1763 
1764; 

1764: 
1764 

1764 

1765 
1765 
1765 
1765 

1765 

1765 
1765 
1765 



Appendix 459 

April 29. The Lords of Trade to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VI. 352. 

April 29. The Lords of Trade to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VI. 353. 

June 17. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. VI. 364. 

June 21. Governor Fitch to Governor Hopkins. VI. 364. 
June 24. Captain Cornell to the General Assembly. 

VI. 365. 
August II. Joseph Sherwood to Governor Hopkins. 
VI. 368. 

September 28. The Lords of Trade to the Governor and 
Company of Rhode Island. VI. 369. 

October 4. Governor Fitch to Governor Hopkins. VI. 373. 

October 10. Governor Hopkins to General Amherst. 
VI. 374- 

October 11. The Lords of Trade to the Governor and 

Company of Rhode Island. VI. 375. 
October 22. Admiral Colvill to Governor Hopkins. 
VI. 376. 

November 17. General Amherst to Governor Hopkins. 
VL 376. 

December 6. General Gage to Governor Hopkins. VI. 376. 

January 24. The Colony of Rhode Island to the Lords of 
Trade. VI. 378. 

August II. Lord Halifax to Governor Hopkins. VI. 404. 

November 4. Governor Hopkins to the General Assembly. 
VI. 414. 

November 29. Governor and Company of Rhode Island 
to George III. VI. 414. 

May 15. Governor Ward to Lord Halifax. VI. 433. 

May 17. Governor Ward to Joseph Sherwood. VI. 434. 

May 31. Count Guerchy to Lord Halifax. VL 442. 

June. Speaker of the House of Representatives of Massa- 
chusetts to the Speaker of Rhode Island. VI. 441. 

June 8. Lord Halifax to the Governor and Company of 
Rhode Island. VI. 442. 

June II. Governor Ward to Captain Antrobus. VL 444. 

June 28. Governor Ward to the Lords of Trade. VI. 444. 

June 29. James Murray to Governor Ward. VI. 445. 



460 Appendix 

1765, July 12. Secretary Conway to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. VI. 445. 
1765, July 12. Governor Ward to Captain Antrobus. VI. 446. 
1765, August 30. The Collector of Customs to the Governor and 

Company of Rhode Island. VI. 453. 
1765, August 31. Governor Ward to John Robinson and Others. 

VI. 454. 
1765, September i. Governor Ward to John Robinson and 

Others. VI. 455. 
1765, September 2. Governor Ward to Captain Leslie. VI. 456. 
1765, September 2. Captain Leslie to Governor Ward. VI. 457. 
1765, September 14. W. Mellish to Governor Ward. VI. 457. 
1765, October 24. H. S. Conway to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. VI. 471. 
1765, November 6. Governor Ward to Secretary Conway. 

VL 472. 
1765, November 7. Governor Ward to Joseph Sherwood. VI. 474. 
1765, November 19. Governor Ward to the Lords of Trade. 

VL 475- 
1765, December 24, Governor Ward to Augustus Johnston. 

VI. 478. 

1765, December 26. Governor Ward to the Lords of the Trea- 

sury. VI, 478. 

1766, February 21. Governor Ward to Secretary Conway. 

VI. 483. 

1766, February 25. Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward. VI. 484. 

1766, March i. Secretary Conway to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VL 484. 

1766, March 28. Governor Ward to Captain Antrobus. VI. 485. 

1766, March 29. Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward. VI. 486. 

1766, March 31, Secretary Conway to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VL 486. 

1766, May 5. Grey Cooper to Governor Hopkins. VL 491. 

*i766, May 15. Joseph Sherwood to Governor Ward. VI. 491. 

1766, May 23. Duke of Richmond to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. VI. 493. 

1766, June 12. Duke of Richmond to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. VI. 497. 

1766, June 25. Governor Hopkins to Secretary Conway. VL 498. 



766 
766 



Appendix 46 1 

June 30. Governor Hopkins to General Gage. VI. 499. 



July 10. Duke of Richmond to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. VI. 500. 

766, July 30. General Gage to Governor Ward, VI. 501. 

766, August I. Lords of Trade to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. VI. 501. 

766, August 9. Lord Shelburne to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. VI. 501. 

766, August 9. Lord Shelburne to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. VI. 502. 

766, September 13. Lord Shelburne to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VI. 503. 

766, November 6. Governor Hopkins to Lord Shelburne. 
VL 510. 

766, November 6. Governor Hopkins to the Lords of the Trea- 
sury. VI. 512. 

766, November 6. Governor Hopkins to Joseph Sherwood. 
VL 513. 

766, November 10. Governor Hopkins to the Lords of Trade. 
VL 515. 

766, December 11. Lord Shelburne to the Governor and Com- 

pany of Rhode Island. VI. 519. 

767, October 23. John Robinson to the Committee of the 

Rhode Island Assembly. VI. 459. 
767, November 14. M. Bowler to the Lords of the Treasury. 
VI, 568. 

767, November 14. M. Bowler to Secretary Conway. VI. 569. 

768, January 23. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Com- 

pany of Rhode Island, VI. 540, 

768, February 1 1. Speaker of the House (Mass.) to the Speaker 
of the House (R. I.). VL 535. 

768, February 20. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VI. 540. 

768, March 5. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Company 
of Rhode Island. VI. 540. 

768, April 21. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VI. 541. 
*i768, April 30. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VI, 555. 



462 Appendix 

1768, May 14. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. VI. 545. 
1768, June 17. Governor Lyndon to Lord Hillsborough. VI. 547. 
1768, June 17. Governor Lyndon to Lord Hillsborough. VI. 547. 
1768, June 17. Governor Lyndon to Lord Hillsborough. VI. 547. 
1768, June 17. Governor Lyndon to Lord Hillsborough. VI, 548. 
1768, June 20. Governor Lyndon to Lord Hillsborough. VI. 548. 
1768, July 2. Joseph Sherwood to Governor Lyndon. VI. 592. 
1768, July 4. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. VI. 558. 
1768, July II. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. VI. 558. 
1768, July II. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. VI. 558. 
1768, September 2. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VI. 558. 
1768, September 14. Lord Hillsborough to Governor Lyndon. 

VL 559. 
1768, November 15. Lord Hillsborough to Governor Lyndon. 

VL 571. 
1768, December 8. Joseph Sherwood to Governor Lyndon. 

VL571. 

1768, December 10. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and 

Company of Rhode Island. VI. 572. 

1769, February 20. Lord Hillsborough to Governor Lyndon. 

VL 579. 
1769, May 5. Governor Wanton to Lord Hillsborough. VI. 584. 
1769, May 5. Governor Wanton to Lord Hillsborough. VI. 584. 
1769, May 5. Governor Wanton to Lord Hillsborough. VI. 584. 
1769, May 19. Speaker of the House (Va.) to the Speaker of 

the House (R. I.). VI. 586. 
1769, June 17. Governor Wanton to Lord Hillsborough. VI. 590. 
1769, July 5. Joseph Sherwood to Governor Wanton. VI. 593. 

1769, August 4. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Com- 

pany of Rhode Island. VI. 597. 

1770, February 17. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Com- 

pany of Rhode Island. VII. 10. 
1770, December 11. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and 
Company of Rhode Island. VII. 24. 



Appendix 463 

177 1, May. Governor Wanton to Henry Marchant. VII. 30. 
177 1, July 19. Lord Hillsborough to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. VII. 34. 
177 1, September 2. Governor Hutchinson to Governor Wanton. 

VII. 37. 

177 1, November 2. Governor Wanton to Lord Hillsborough. 

VIL 42. 

1772, March 21. Deputy-Governor Sessions to Governor Wanton. 

VII. 60. 
1772, March 22. Governor Wanton to the Commander of the 

Gaspee. VII. 61. 
1772, March 23. Lieutenant Dudingston to Governor Wanton. 

VII. 61. 
1772, March 23. Governor Wanton to Lieutenant Dudingston. 

VII. 62. 
1772, April 8. Admiral Montagu to Governor Wanton. VII. 62. 
1772, May 8. Governor Wanton to Admiral Montagu. VII. 63. 
1772, May 20. Governor Wanton to Lord Hillsborough. VII. 66. 
1772, May 22. Lieutenant Dudingston to Admiral Montagu. 

VIL 64. 
1772, June II. Deputy-Governor Sessions to Governor Wanton. 

VIL 77. 
1772, June II. Admiral Montagu to Governor Wanton. VII. 82. 
1772, June 12. Deputy-Governor Sessions to Governor Wanton. 

VII. 80. 
1772, June 12. Governor Wanton to Admiral Montagu. VII. 85. 
1772, June 15. Admiral Montagu to Governor Wanton. VII. 88. 
1772, June 16. Governor Wanton to Lord Hillsborough, VII. 90. 
1772, July 8. Admiral Montagu to Governor Wanton. VII. 93. 
1772, July II. Admiral Montagu to Lord Hillsborough. VII. 94. 
1772, July 16. Governor Wanton to Captain Linzee. VII. 98. 
1772, July. Lieutenant Dudingston to Admiral Montagu. VII. 99. 
1772, July 22. Governor Wanton to Admiral Montagu. VII. 100. 
1772, August 14. Lord Dartmouth to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. VII. 54. 
1772, August 18. Governor Wanton to the House of Deputies. 

VII. 104. 
1772, September i. Admiral Montagu to Governor Wanton. 

VIL loi. 



464 Appendix 

1772, September 2. The Royal Commission to the Commissioners 

of Inquiry on the Gaspee. VII. 108. 
1772, September 4. Instructions to the Commission of Inquiry 

on the Gaspee. VII. no. 
1772, December 11. Admiral Montagu to Governor Wanton. 

VII. 113. 
1772, December 11. Governor Wanton to Judge Auchmuty. 

VII. 116. 
1772, December 14. Governor Wanton to Admiral Montagu. 

VII. 115. 
1772, December 14. Governor Wanton to Peter Oliver. VII. 116. 
1772, December 14. Governor Wanton to Judge Auchmuty. 

VII. 116. 
1772, December 22. Governor Wanton to the County Sheriffs. 

VII. 117. 
1772, December 24. Governor Wanton to Judges Oliver and 

Auchmuty. VII. 117. 
1772, December 24. Governor Wanton to Admiral Montagu. 

VII. 117. 

1772, December 28. Admiral Montagu to Governor Wanton. 

VII. 118. 

1773, January i. Governor Wanton to Admiral Montagu. 

VII. 118. 

1773, January i. Governor Wanton to Judge Auchmuty. 
VII. 118. 

1773, January 2. Admiral Montagu to Governor Wanton. 
VII. 119. 

1773, January 4. Governor Wanton to Captain Keeler. 
VII. 118. 

1773, January 5. The Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee to 
Admiral Montagu. VII, 121. 

1773, January 8. Admiral Montagu to the Commission of In- 
quiry on the Gaspee. VII. 130. 

1773, January 11. Judge Bowler to the Commission of Inquiry 
on the Gaspee. VII. 132. 

1773, January 14. Admiral Montagu to the Commission of In- 
quiry on the Gaspee. VII. 140. 

1773, January 15. Deputy-Governor Sessions to Governor Wan- 
ton. VII. 146. 



Appendix 465 

1773, January 16. Admiral Montagu to the Commission of In- 
quiry on the Gaspee. VII. 143. 

1773, January i6. The Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee to 
Admiral Montagu. VII. 144. 

1773, January 16. The Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee to 
Admiral Montagu. VII. 144. 

1773, January 18. Deputy-Governor Sessions to Governor Wan- 
ton. VII. 149. 

1773, January 18. Deputy-Governor Sessions to Governor Wan- 
ton. VII. 150. 

1773, January 19. Admiral Montagu to the Commission of In- 
quiry on the Gaspee. VII, 152. 

1773, January 19. The Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee to 
Admiral Montagu. VII. 153. 

1773, January 19. Arthur Fenner to Governor Wanton. VII. 154. 

1773, January 19. James Sabin to the Commission of Inquiry on 
the Gaspee. VII. 154. 

1773, January 20. George Brown to the Commission of Inquiry 
on the Gaspee. VII. 155. 

1773, January 20. John Andrews to the Commission of Inquiry 
on the Gaspee. VII. 156. 

1773, January 20. D. Hitchcock to the Commission of Inquiry 
on the Gaspee. VII. 157. 

1773, January 20. John Cole to the Commission of Inquiry on 
the Gaspee. VII. 157. 

1773, January 21. The Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee to 
Lord Dartmouth. VII. 159. 

1773, January 25. Deposition of Governor Wanton concerning 
the Gaspee. VII. 160. 

1773, February 16. Governor Wanton to Lord Dartmouth. 
VII. 222. 

1773, February 20. Chief Justice Horsmanden to Lord Dart- 
mouth. VII. 182. 

1773, March 19. Peyton Randolph to Governor Wanton. 
VIL 225. 

1773, March 26. The Lords of Admiralty to Admiral Montagu. 
VII. 164. 

1773, April ID. JL,ord Dartmouth to Governor Wanton. 
VIL 186. 

VOL. II. 



466 Appendix 

1773, May 15. Speaker of the House (R. I.) to the Speaker of 

the House (Va.). VII. 227. 
1773, May 24. Admiral Montagu to the Commission of Inquiry 

on the Gaspee. VII. 165. 
1773, May 27. Captain Keeler to the Commission of Inquiry on 

the Gaspee. VII. 166. 
1773, May 27. The Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee to 

Captain Keeler. VII. 166. 
1773, May 27. J. Wentworth to the Speaker of the House (R. I.). 

VII. 228. 
1773, May 29. J. Cruger to the Speaker of the House (R. I.). 

VII. 230. 
1773, May 31. The Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee to 

Captain Keeler. VII. 166. 
1773, June 2. The Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee to 

Admiral Montagu. VII. 167. 
1773, June II. Justices of the Superior Court of Rhode Island 

to the Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee. VII. 175. 
i773> June 12. The Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee to 

the Justices of the Superior Court of Rhode Island. 

VII. 176. 
1773, June 14. Admiral Montagu to the Commission of Inquiry 

on the Gaspee. VII. 167. 
1773, June 15. E. Silliman to the Speaker of the House (R. I.). 

VII. 231. 
1773, June 22. The Commission of Inquiry on the Gaspee to 

Lord Dartmouth, with Report to the Crown. VII. 177, 

178. 
1773, June 23. Chief Justice Smythe to the Commission of In- 
quiry on the Gaspee. VII. 177. 
1773, July 22. Rawdon Lowndes to the Speaker of the House 

(R. L). VII. 232. 
1773? August 20. Governor Wanton to Lord Dartmouth. 

VIL 233. 
1773, October 25. Speaker of the House (Del.) to the Speaker 

of the House (R. I.). VIL 236. 
1773, November 20. Speaker of the House (Ga.) to the Speaker 

of the House (R. I.). VIL 237. 
1773, November 20. Speaker of the House (Ga.) to the Speaker 

of the House (R. I.). VII. 237. 



Appendix 467 

773, December 6. Speaker of the House (Md.) to the Speaker 
of the House (R. I.). VII. 237. 

773, December 26. Speaker of the House (N, C.) to the Speaker 

of the House (R. I.). VII. 239. 

774, March i. Speaker of the House (N. Y.) to the Speaker of 

the House (R. I.). VII. 288. 
774, March 16. Committee of Correspondence for New Jersey 

to the Speaker of the House (R. I.). VII, 289. 
774, May 19. Committee of Correspondence at Westerly to the 

Committee at Boston. VII. 289. 
774, May. Committee of Correspondence at Boston to the Com- 
mittee at Newport. VII. 291. 
774, May 28. Committee of Correspondence for Massachusetts 

to the Committee for Rhode Island. VII. 293. 
774, May 28. Committee of Correspondence for Virginia to the 

Committee for Rhode Island. VII. 292. 
774, June 3. Committee of Correspondence at Hartford to the 

Committee at Boston. VII. 294. 
1774, June 4. Committee of Correspondence for Massachusetts 

to the Committee for Rhode Island. VII. 295. 
774, June 4. Committee of Correspondence at Hartford to the 

Committee at Newport. VII. 295. 
774, June 17. Speaker of the House (Mass.) to the Speaker of 

the House (R. I.). VII. 296. 
774, June 20. Speaker of the House (R. I.) to the Colonies in 

North America. VII. 297. 
774, June 24. Committee of Correspondence for New York to 

the Committee for Connecticut. VII. 297. 
774, June 27. Speaker of the House (N. Y.) to the Speaker of 

the House (R. I.). VII. 298. 
774, July 24. Speaker of the House (Penn.) to the Speaker of 

the House (R. I.). VII. 301. 
774, July 28. Committee of Correspondence for North Carolina 

to the Speaker of the House (R. I.). VII. 301. 
774, August 2. Committee of Correspondence for Delaware to 

the Speaker of the House (R. I.). VII. 302. 
774, August 28. Committee of Correspondence for New Hamp- 
shire to the Speaker of the House (R. I.). VII. 302. 
774, October 3. Samuel Ward to Governor Wanton, VII. 304. 



468 Appendix 

1774, October 19. Lord Dartmouth to the Governor and Com- 
pany of Rhode Island. VII. 305. 

1774, November 2. Lord Dartmouth to Governor Wanton. 
VIL 305. 

1774, December 10. Lord Dartmouth to Governor Wanton. 
VIL 305. 

1774, December 12. Captain Wallace to Admiral Graves. 
VII. 306. 

1774, December 24. Messrs. Bollan, Franklin, and Lee to the 

Speaker of the House (R. I.). VII. 307, 

1775, March 3. Lord Dartmouth to the Governor and Company 

of Rhode Island. VII. 330, 
1775, May 2. Governor Wanton to the General Assembly. 

VIL 332. 
1775, May 3. Speaker of the House (R. I.) to Governor Wanton. 

VII. 334- 
1775, May 4. Governor Wanton to the Speaker of the House. 

VIL 334. 
1775, May 5. The Speaker of the House to Governor Wanton. 

VII. 334. 

1775, May 5. Governor Wanton to the Speaker of the House. 

VIL 335- 
1775) J""s 13- Governor Wanton to the General Assembly. 

VIL 336. 
1775, June 14. Deputy-Governor Cooke to Captain Wallace. 

VIL 336. 
i775» June 15. Captain Wallace to Deputy-Governor Cooke. 

VIL 336. 
1775, October 31. Act of the General Assembly, deposing Joseph 

Wanton and declaring the office of governor vacant. 

VIL 392. 



END OF VOLUME IL 



INDEX 



INDEX 



References to correspondence occupy the first or first two paragraphs : let- 
ters written precede those received ; the arrangement is alphabetical by corre- 
spondent, with a chronological subarrangement. Impersonal correspondence 
will be found under the colonies or departments. 



Abbot, Col., I. 39. 

Abercrombie, Gen. James, from Gov. 
Hopkins, 1758, Rhode Island troops, 
2. 277. 

And the campaign of 1756, 2. 
222, 226 ; commander-in-chief, 270 ; 
defeat before Ticonderoga, 279. 

Acts of Trade, compliance with, i. 7 ; 
enforcement, 32 ; promotion of exe- 
cution, 226. See also Trade. 

Adams, Capt., i. 423, 2. 25. 

Adams, Samuel, 2. 437. 

Admiralty. See Lords of the Admi- 
ralty, Vice-Admiralty. 

Albany, conferences at, i. 260, 262, 
269, 2. 184. 

Albany Plan in England, 2. 199, 213. 

Allcock, Mr., pardoned, 2. 25. 

Allen, Capt., i. 203. 

Allen, James, i. 275. 

Allspice. See Pimento. 

Amherst, Sir Jeffrey, from Col. Rob- 
ertson, 1762, Rhode Island billeting 
rolls, 2. 338. 

Praises Rhode Island troops, 2. 

341- 

Andrews, John, appointed judge of 
Admiralty, 2. 274-276, 278 ; customs 
officers' comment on, 376-381, 394. 

Andros, Sir Edmond, Rhode Island 
under, i. 9. 

Angell, Major Samuel, to Gov. Hop- 
kins, 1756, condition of Rhode Is- 
land troops, 2. 221 ; condition of 
campaign, 231. 
Colonel, 2. 255. 

Annapolis. See Nova Scotia. 

Annexation, objections of Rhode Is- 
land to union with New Hampshire 
or Connecticut, i. 8, 11-14. 

Anonymous letter, 1775, coercion, 2. 
439- 



Anson, Lord, naval victory, 2. 48 ; in 
the ministry, 131 ; resigns, 244. 

Anville, Uuked', threatened descent on 
American coast, 2. 10-23; list of his 
ships, 19; measures to warn Les- 
tock against, 15-19, 21-23; niisfor- 
tunes, 29 ; departure, 30. 

Appleby, Joshua, invention to freshen 
sea water, 2. 147. 

Appointment. See Naval officer, Vice- 
Admiralty. 

Appy, John, Amherst's secretary, 2. 

339- 

Apthorpe, Mr., 2. 234. 

Argyle, Duke of, i. 211. 

Army, efficiency of the Rhode Island 
militia, 1.7; troops for Pontiac War, 
2. 357 ; act to quarter soldiers, 362, 
363, 365, 395 ; preparations for the 
Revolution, 439, 442, 443. See 
also Canadian expedition, Carta- 
gena expedition, French and Indian 
War, Louisbourg expedition. 

Arnold, James, i. 287. 

Arnold, John, i. 325. 

Arnold, Jonathan, clerk of the Supe- 
rior Court, resigns, 2. 424. 

Arrault, Daniel, deputy, 2. 359. 

Assiento, trouble over trade under, i. 
88, 106, 109. 

Attorney - general, 1748, report on 
Louisbourg expedition reimburse- 
ment, 2. 84. 

Auchmuty, Robert, i. 53; agent for 
Massachusetts, 85 ; plan to capture 
Louisbourg, 255. 

Austrian Succession, War of, progress, 

1. 234. 247-250, 276-278, 295, 311, 
331. 332, 345. 354, 370, 400-404, 433, 

2. 48 ; France declares war on Eng- 
land, I. 252 ; naval operations, 277, 
33-' 371. 400-402, 2. 29, 48, 64; 



472 



Index 



treaty of Dresden, i. 400 ; peace 
conference, 2. 29, 36; peace, 66, 71, 
79. See also Canadian expedition, 
King George's War, Louisbourg ex- 
pedition. 
Ayrault, S., 2. 64. 

Baal, Capt. Samuel, i. 230, 250. 

Babcock, Dr., 2. 444. 

Babcock, Henry, to Sec. T. Ward, 

1755, artillery company, 2. 148; 
from Committee of War, 1758, arms, 
278. 

Officer in the French and Indian 

War, 2. 232. 
Babcock, Ichabod, Jr., lieutenant of 

artillery company, 2. 149. 
Bagley, Col. Jonathan, 2. 196 n. 
Bagnell, Benjamin, i. 75. 
Baker, William, i. 258. 
Bane, Capt., in King George's War, 

I- 377- 

Bannister, John, i. 98. 

Barnard, Sir Jonathan, i. 153. 

Barons, Benjamin, Gov. Hardy's sec- 
retary, 2. 228. 

Barre, Isaac, letter from Rhode Island 
to, 2.383. 

Barrington, Lord, Secretary of War, 
2. 174. 

Bastide, John, i. 265. 

Bayard, Stephen, 2. 21. 

Bayard, William, to Gov. Hopkins, 

1756, reimbursement money, 2. 236. 
Baylis, Robert, commissioner of cus- 
toms, I. 32. 40. 

Beckford, Alderman William, com- 
ment on the grant for the campaign 
of 1755, 2. 207. 

Bedford, Duke of, Secretary of State, 
2. 68 ; to be President of the Coun- 
cil, lOI. 

Beekman, G. G., to Committee of 
War, 1756, commissary supplies, 2. 
218, 236. 

Belcher, Jonathan, governor of Mas- 
sachusetts, to Gov. J. Wanton, 1733, 
boundary, i. 36; 1734, violence in 
disputed territory, 48; 1738, bound- 
ary, 96; 1740, illicit trade, 163. 

From Gov. J. Wanton, 1739, coun- 
terfeiting paper money, Sugar Act, 
I. 122. 

Partridge's relationship, 1.66, 69; 
governor of New Jersey, 433. 

Bellomont, Lord, on Rhode Island 
government, i. xxi. 



Bills of credit. See Paper money. 

Bills of exchange, Clinton's, 2. 39-41 ; 
protested, 322, 335, 382 ; from Sher- 
wood, 356. 

Bishop for America, threatened ap- 
pointment, 2. 440. 

Blackney, slave-trader, 2. 369. 

Blakeney, Col. William, to and from 
Gov. R. Ward, 1740, Cartagena 
expedition, 1. 164, 168, 171, 175, 180. 
Adjutant-general of the expedi- 
tion, I. 129, 144. 

Blood, Richard, i. 52. 

Bolding, Mr., 2. 371. 

Bollan, William, agent for Massachu- 
setts, and the reimbursement for the 
Louisbourg expedition, 2. 36, 79, 86. 

Bonner, Capt., i. 55, 94. 

Borden, Capt., i. 61. 

Borden, Abraham, death, i. yj. 

Boscawen, Admiral, blockades Brest, 
2. 225. 

Bosch, Capt, in Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, I. 336. 

Bosioji Evening Post, 1745, Rhode 
Island, sailors for Louisbourg expe- 
dition, I. 379. 

Boston Port Bill sent to Rhode Island, 

2- 436, 437- 

Botetourt, Lord, governor of Virginia, 
to Gov. S. Ward, 1768, greeting, 2. 
412. 

Boundaries, colonial, Lords of Trade 
inquiry, 2. loi. 

Boundary, Connecticut-Rhode Island 
controversy, i. xxii, xxiii, 3-6, 15, 2. 
138. 

Boundary, Massachusetts-New Hamp- 
shire, adjustment in England, i. 
81. 

Boundary, Massachusetts-Rhode Is- 
land controversy, i. xix ; gratuity 
for Partridge, xix, xx, 75, 294, 423, 
2. 91, 103 ; attempts to settle, 1. 18, 
36, 38; violence, 48-53, 57-61, 66, 
283, 323, 325; disputed jurisdiction, 
54; referred to England by Rhode 
Island, 61, 65, 69, 74; expense in 
England, 62, 87, 100, 104, 106, 277, 
290, 310, 331, 423; pending before 
the Lords of Trade, 70, 78, 80-83 ; 
Rhode Island's claim one of jurisdic- 
tion only, 76 ; hearing before the 
Lords of Trade, 86 ; their report, 
88; before the Council, 94, 95, 98; 
value of report of Lords of Trade, 
97 ; peace pending settlement, 97 ; 



Index 



A7: 



order for commissioners to settle, 
lOO ; issuing of the commission, loo, 
103, 104, IIS, 123, 125, 138, 154, 155, 
162, 178; commissioners, 102; at- 
tempt at accommodation, 115, 118, 
119; Rhode Island's petition on 
the commission and its provisions, 
131-138 ; commission issued, iSi ; 
award of the commissioners, 201 ; 
appeal from the award, 207, 214; 
preparation for the appeal, 218, 219, 
223, 224 ; appeal pending, 228, 234, 
246, 252, 255, 274, 277 ; hearing and 
pleadings of appeal, 279, 2S8, 289, 
291-293 ; award confirmed, 289, 293, 
296; Massachusetts petitions for a 
new commission, 309, 310, 312, 330, 
344> 357. 359 ; opposition to peti- 
tion of Massachusetts, 316-320, 350, 
390, 392-394; history, 317-319; Pe- 
tition pending, 403, 408, 410, 411 ; 
final decision, 422, 432 ; running of 
the line, 422, 2. 35, 47, 95-97 ; satis- 
faction in Rhode Island, i ; royal 
order to run the line, 25. 

Bounty, on hemp, i. 64 ; Rhode Island 
Cartagena expedition, 167, 168, 205 ; 
Louisbourg expedition, 367, 368 ; 
Canadian expedition, 2. 2 ; in French 
and Indian War, 340, 350. 

Bours, Peter, to Partridge, 1749, ac- 
count, 2. 91 ; from Sec. Willard, 
1739, boundary, i. 115. See also 
Committee of War. 
Assistant, i. 196, 224. 

Bowdish, Asa, lieutenant in French 
and Indian War, 2. 328, 329. 

Bowen, Jabez, to Gov. R. Ward, 1741, 
Thornton affair, i. 191. 

Bowler, Metcalfe, speaker of House 
of Delegates, 2. 410, 444. 

Boyce, Joseph, counterfeiter, i. 270. 

Bradbury, Capt. Jabez, to and from 
Shirley, 1745, Penobscot Indians, i. 
376, 377- 

Braddock, Gen. Edward, departure 
from England, 2. 146; effect of de- 
feat, 1 57 ; news of defeat in England, 
174. 

Bradford, Capt, i. 338. 

Bradshaw, Thomas, to R. Phelps, 
1768, escaped murderer, 2. 405 ; from 
E. Stanley, same, 403, 406. 

Bradstreet, Col., in Louisbourg expe- 
dition, I. 341. 

Breda peace conference, 2. 29, 37. 

Brenton, Mr., i. 122, 382. 



Brenton, Thomas, lieutenant in Car- 
tagena expedition, i. 200. 

Brest, France, blockaded, 2. 225. 

Bristol, R. I., riot, i. 283. 

Brown, Capt., 2. 38. 

Brown, Allin, sheriff, 2. 253. 

Brown, George, i. 287. 

Brown, John, rioter, i. 325. 

Brown, Joshua, at Fort William 
Henry, 2. 205. 

Brown, Moses, to Sherwood, 1770, 
non-importation, 2. 420 ; dissatisfac- 
tion with Sherwood, 421 ; from 
Sherwood, 1769, account, 414 ; 1770, 
reimbursement and dissatisfaction, 
423, 425, 426 ; from J. Wanton, Jr., 
Ward-Hopkins feud, 418. 

Bruce, Capt., 2. 63, 145. 

Burden, Benjamin, rioter, i. 325. 

Burr, Andrew, in Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, I. 326. 

Byng, Admiral, and the siege of Mi- 
norca, 2. 213, 225; convicted, 245. 

Cahoon, Capt., i. 378. 

Campbell, Hume, resolution on colo- 
nial paper money, i. 153, 154; re- 
tained by Massachusetts, 291. 

Canada and the Revolution, 2. 444. 
See also French and Indian War, 
and next title. 

Canadian expedition, 1746, proposed, 
I. 420; preparation, 421, 424, 428- 
431 ; Rhode Island levies, 429, 2. 2, 
72, 73, 76; plans considered, 3-8; 
probable strength of levies, 4 ; reim- 
bursement of expenses, 3S-40 ; aban- 
doned, 55, 56 ; pay of levies, 56, 60 ; 
controversy over Rhode Island's bill 
of expenses, 57-59, 63-65, 67-70, 
72-77, 88, 92, 97, 99, 103-1 15 ; New 
Jersey's bill, 70 ; payment to other 
colonies, 71. See also Nova Scotia. 

Canfield, St. George, retained by 
Rhode Island, i. 224. 

Cannon. See Defence. 

Canso, N. S., threatened by the 
French, i. 266 ; rendezvous of 
Louisbourg expedition, 299, 301. 

Cape Breton Island, encouragement 
to English settlers, 1. 389; value to 
England, 414. See also Louisbourg, 
Louisbourg expedition. 

Carkesse, Charles, to J. Peagrum, 
1733, an appointment, i. 40. 

Carpenter, Comfort, ensign in French 
and Indian War, 2, 328. 



474 



Index 



Carr, Capt., and the Lambertie affair, 
2. 164, 16S-171. 

Cartagena expedition, interest of 
Rhode Island, i. xxvii ; plan, 127- 
131 ; colonial preparation and in- 
structions, 140, 141, 143-147, 165; 
payment of colonial troops, 150-152, 
164, 172, 173, 202; commissions, 166, 
172, 174, 204, 210; transports and 
provisions, 166-168, 174, 175; Rhode 
Island bounty, 167, 168, 205, 213; 
Rhode Island levies, 167, 168, 183, 
199, 205, 213, 367; rendezvous, 171, 
180; recruits, 188, 202-206, 210, 212; 
issue of paper money in Rhode Is- 
land to cover expenses, 213; aban- 
doned, 220, 221 ; return of colonial 
troops, 221. 

Carteret, Lord, i. 211. 

Cary, Capt., i. 62, 288. 

Casamayor, John, i. 258. 

Cathcart, Lord, and the Cartagena 
expedition, i. 127, 128, 182. 

Cavendish, John, in Rockingham's 
ministry, 2. 367. 

Chaloner, Walter, lieutenant in Carta- 
gena expedition, i. 199, 206 ; sent 
home to raise recruits, 206, 209 ; bill 
of exchange on, 2. 104. 

Champlin, John, Heutenant of artillery 
company, 2. 149. 

Champlin, Joshua, captain in Louis- 
bourg expedition, i. 362. 

Chandler, John, commissioner to run 
boundary line, 2. 96. 

Charles VII., Empeuor, death, i. 317. 

Charles, Prince, in War of the Aus- 
trian Succession, i. 234, 276, 278, 

345- 

Charles Edward, Prince, Young Pre- 
tender, intended invasion of Eng- 
land, I. 247, 248; fleet dispersed, 
248; reward for, 371; in Scotland, 
390, 399, 403. 

Charlestown, R. I., artillery company, 
2. 148, 149. 

Charter, Rhode Island, parliamentary, 
I. 2 ; royal, 3 ; defended, 8-15 ; rights 
under, 227-229, 242, 286, 2. 94, 208, 
286; and paper money, 125, 127, 
128 ; attacked in England, 140, 
141; threatened, 438. See also n&yit 
title. 

Charter governments, parliamentary 
resolution on oath of allegiance by 
governors of, i. 64; admonished 
against paper money, 120; submis- 



sion of laws for royal approval, 154, 
157 ; Order in Council on, 179 ; par- 
liamentary bill to require oath of al- 
legiance in Assemblies, 2. 208. 
Cherokee Indians, expedition against, 

2- 349- 

Chesterfield, Lord, i. 211, 2. 30. 

Chignecto, N. S., Canadians at, 2. 31 ; 
captured, 155. 

Clark, Mr., counsellor for Rhode Is- 
land, I. 86, 98. 

Clark, John, and the Rhode Island 
charter, 1.3. 

Clarke, George, lieutenant-governor 
of New York, to Gov. R. Ward, 
1740, Cartagena expedition, i. 171. 

Clarke, Joseph, treasurer of Rhode 
Island, from T. Richardson, 1764, 
money from Pennsylvania, 2. 359. 

Clinton, George, governor of New 
York, to Gov. Greene, 1744, colo- 
nial defence, i. 258; 1745, Indian 
war, 398; to Gov. G. Wanton, 1746, 
intercolonial commission, 404, 416. 

From Gov. Greene, 1746, en- 
slaved Spanish negroes, i. 427 ; 
from Gov. G. Wanton, intercolo- 
nial commission, 406. 

Pay of Canadian expedition ex- 
penses, 2. 39-41, 56. 

Coats, Com., victory, 2. 64. 

Coffee, parliamentary resolution on 
duty on, 2. 385. 

Coggeshall, Daniel, to Sec. Willard, 
1744, riot and extradition, i. 323. 

Golden, Cadwallader, boundary com- 
missioner, I. 102. 

Coles, Edward, captain in Crown 
Point expedition, 2. 151 ; lieutenant- 
colonel, 159. 

Collins, H., 2. 64. 

Colonial agent, duties and qualifica- 
tions, I. xii, XV, xviii ; of Rhode 
Island, xv-xxi. See also Partridge, 
Sherwood. 

Colonies, rights and grievances, i. 34, 
2. 407-412, 416-418, 441. See also 
Charter, Common cause, and colo- 
nies by name. 

Commissioners of Customs, England, 
to governor of Rhode Island, 1732, 
1742, appointment of a surveyor- 
general, I. 32, 216; to J. Peagrura, 
1733, instructions, 39. See also Car- 
kesse. 

Established in the colonies, 2. 397, 
398. See also Trades. 



Index 



475 



Commissions, military, in Cartagena 
expedition, i. i66, 172, 174, 204, 
210; in Louisbourg expedition, 324, 
326, 382 ; in French and Indian 
War, for foreigners, 2. 19S ; provin- 
cial, 227, 239, 267, 281, 300. 

Committee of War, to Col. Babcock, 

1758, arms, 2. 278; to Gov. Hop- 
kins, 1755, equipment for Crown 
Point expedition, 2. 151; from G. 
Beekman, 1756, commissary affairs, 
218 ; from T. Cranston and P. Bours, 
1755, equipment for Crown Point 
expedition, 151 ; from Partridge, 
Lambertie affair, 160, 163, 16S; from 
N. Whiting, 1756, commissary af- 
fairs, 237. 

Committees of Correspondence, Bos- 
ton to Newport, 1774, post-office re- 
form, 2. 434 ; Massachusetts to 
Rhode Island, acts of Parliament 
against Massachusetts, 437. 

Common cause in King George's War, 

1. 259, 262, 320, 334, 367, 375, 383, 
396, 404-407, 416-420 ; commissions 
at Albany, 260, 262, 269, 2. 184. 

Common Pleas, Court of, Thornton 
affair, i. 191-197. 

Comstock, Hezekiah, assaults a Mas- 
sachusetts sheriff, i. 49-52, 54, 59. 

Conflans, Admiral, to join Anville, 

2. 14. 

Conigsegg, Gen., i. 332. 

Connecticut, House of Assembly to 
Rhode Island House, 1775, prepa- 
ration for the campaign, 2. 441. See 
also Fitch, Law, Talcott. 

Boundary controversy with Rhode 
Island, I. xxii, xxiii, 3-6, 15, 2. 138 ; 
Rhode Island objects to annexation 
to, I. 11-14; paper money, 120, 1S6, 
2. 119, 132, 136, 442; cruise of co- 
lonial sloop, I. 261, 267-269, 274; 
and the Louisbourg expedition, 321, 
324, 381, 2. 86; and the expedition 
against Canada, i. 424, 2. 71, 98; 
troops for 1755, 162; troops for 1756, 
189, 192, 201 ; share in reimburse- 
ment for 1755, -00) reimbursement 
for 1756, 271, 297 ; troops voted for 

1759, 322; method of recruiting in, 
333 ; troops for 1761, 349 ; overplus 
due Rhode Island, 355; Stamp Act 
petition rejected, 360; troops for 

1775. 442, 443- 
Conti, Prince, in War of the Austrian 
Succession, i. 345. 



Conway, H. S., in Rockingham's min- 
istry, 2. 367. 
Cook, Joseph, lieutenant in Cartagena 

expedition, i. 199. 
Cooke, Nicholas, from J. Northup, 

1775, equipment of troops, 2, 439. 
Suggested for governor, 2. 324. 
Cooper, William, 2. 436. 
Cope, Henry, boundary commissioner, 

I. 102. 
Corbett, Thomas, to governors in 

America, 1743, impressment, i. 235 ; 

from W. Strahan, 1744, Lockman 

affair, 243. 
Cornell, Capt. George, to Gov. Hop- 
kins, 1763, Rhode Island troops, 2. 

350; to Gov. S. Ward, 1762, reen- 

listments, 340. 
Cornish, Capt., 2. 206. 
Cotterell, Thomas, lieutenant in 

French and Indian War, 2. 329. 
Cotton, parliamentary resolution on 

trade in, 2. 386. 
Counterfeiting of paper money, i. 

122,270, 382. 
Courand, John, to governor of Rhode 

Island, 1740, value of foreign coins, 

I. 176. 
Courier to Albany, expenses, 2. 248. 
Cousins, Gregory, prisoner of war, 2. 

^54- 

Crabtree, Benjamin, fined, i. 60. 

Craigie, Capt., i. 401. 

Crane, Capt., 2. 303. 

Cranston, Gov. Samuel, to Partridge, 
1723, boundary and charter, i. i. 
As governor, i. xxii. 

Cranston, Thomas, to Partridge, 1749, 
account, 2. 91. See also Committee 
of War. 

Cross, Edward, lieutenant in French 
and Indian War, 2. 329. 

Crown. See Privy Council, and kings 
by name. 

Crown Point, N. Y., plan to attack in 
1746, 2. 5-10; expedition of 1755, 
equipment and transportation of 
Rhode Island troops, 1 51-153, 159; 
reinforcements for Johnson, 152, 
162 ; news of Johnson's success in 
England, 174 ; plan for winter attack 
on, 181-1S5; plan and preparation 
against, in 1756, 188, 195-197; 
strengthened by the French, 194 ; 
French force, 232. 

Cruger, John, speaker of New York 
Assembly, 2. 441. 



476 



htdex 



Cumberland, Duke of, wounded, i. 
234; defeated at Fontenoy, 332, 
345 ; pursuit of the Young Pre- 
tender, 399 ; in Flanders, 2. 48 ; con- 
vention of Cloisterseven, 259. 

Gushing, Thomas, 2. 437. 

Cust, Sir John, death, 2. 416. 

Customs. See Trade. 

Cutler, Capt., in Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, I. 341. 

Darling, Samuel, 1. 52. 

Darnall, Sergeant, i. 26. 

Dartmouth, Lord, to Rhode Island, 
1733, salute to the flag, 2. 430; re- 
imbursement, 431. 

Davis, Capt., 2. 140. 

Davis, Mr., 2. 340. 

De Joncourt, Peter, deposition, i. 271. 

De Lancey, James, boundary commis- 
sioner, I. 102; councillor, 2. 14, 21. 

Defence, Rhode Island, measures, i. 6, 
7. 16,37, 77.314.315-2. 209, 211,262, 
273, 288 ; petition to England for 
cannon and stores, 1. 17, 77, 79, 275, 
278-283, 290, 308-311, 313-315. 2. 23, 
35, 48, 156, 171, 173, 209-212, 214, 
225, 258, 262-265 ; cruise of sloop, i. 
261, 267-269, 273, 274 ; plan of fort, 
308, 314, 315, 351, 433. 2- 2, 25-2S ; 
brigantine, 273. 

Delaware Indians, in French and In- 
dian War, 2. 203 ; treaty, 228. 

Dennis, John, privateer, i. 425. 

Denny, William, governor of Penn- 
sylvania, to Gov. Hopkins, 1756, 
greeting, 2. 229. 

Desertions in French and Indian War, 
2. 221, 255, 329, 337. 

Devonshire, Duke of. Lord of the 
Treasury, 2. 244. 

Dexter, John, i. 270. 

Doddington, Mr., in the ministry, i. 
211. 

Donahew, Capt., in Louisbourg expe- 
dition, I. 339, 341. 

Dorset, Duke of, and the boundary 
controversy, i. 316 ; Lord President, 
2. 36; Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, 
loi, 131. 

Douglas, J. G., West Indian agent, to 
Partridge, 17 51, Sugar Bill, 2. 133. 

Dowdeswell, William, in Rocking- 
ham's ministry, 2. 367. 

Draper, Capt., i. 47. 

Draper, Jonathan, Massachusetts sher- 
iff, assaulted, i. 48-52. 



Dummer, Jeremy, Defence of the Char- 
ters, I. 10 ; Partridge amends, 256. 

Dun, Samuel, captain in Cartagena 
expedition, i. 199. 

Dunbar, Col. Thomas, 2. 175. 

Durel, Capt. Philip, i. 297, 350, 354. 

Duvivier, Capt., captures Canso, i. 
266 n. ; plan to intercept, 299. 

Dwight, Joseph, commissioner to run 
boundary line, 2. 96. 

Earle, Capt., 2. 359. 

Earle, W. R., i. 281. 

Eaton, Mr., 2. 341. 

Egremont, Earl of, death, 2. 352. 

Elections, proposed reform, i. 37. 

Ellery, William, clerk of House of 
Deputies, 2. 410. 

Ellison, Lieut.-Col., 2. 175. 

Embargo in French and Indian War, 
2. 270, 277. 

England, influence on American de- 
velopment, I. xiii ; threatened war 
in 1834, 47, 56, 57, 62, 68, 79; 
threatened French invasion, 400, 
403 ; threatened war with Sallee, 2. 
1 54. See also Ministry, Parliament, 
Spain, and wars by name. 

Evelyn, J., commissioner of customs, 
I. 32. 

Evers, Capt., 2. 307. 

Exchange, cause of high, i. 158. 

Extradition, demanded by Massachu- 
setts, I. 60, 284, 323, 325. 

Faesch, J., i. 233. 

Famme Goose Bay, action, i. 349. 

Faukener, William, i. 258. 

Fauquier, Francis, governor of Vir- 
ginia, to Gov. S. Ward, 1765, kid- 
napping of negroes, 2. 368 ; from 
C. Thomas and T. Newton, same, 

369. 371- 

Fay, Thomas, officer in the French 
and Indian War, 2. 329. 

Finances. See Paper money. Reim- 
bursement, Taxation. 

Finglass, Capt., 2. 292. 

Fisheries, encouragement, i. 64. 

Fitch, Thomas, governor of Connecti- 
cut, to Gov. Hopkins, 1756, quotas 
of troops, 2. 192 ; Indian treaty, 
228. 

Flag, failure to salute, 2. 430. 

Fletcher, Capt., in Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, I. 336. 

Flowers, Robert, privateer, i. 230, 250. 



Index 



477 



Fones, Capt. Daniel, to Gov. Greene, 
1745, Louisbourg expedition, i. 329 ; 
to Gov. G. Wanton, same, 349 ; con- 
dition of his ship, 355, 356, 378, 381. 
In the Louisbourg expedition, i. 
xxix, 369; instructions to cruise for 
Lestock, 2. 21-23. 

Fontenoy, battle, 2. 332, 345. 

Foster, Capt., i. 55. 

Fox, Henry, in the ministry, 2. 141, 
174 ; resigns, 244. 

France, neutrality in English-Spanish 
War, I. 119, 139, 154, 162; war 
rumors in, 1740, 162, 182; squadron 
sent to the West Indies, 1S2, 1S5 ; 
effect of War of the Austrian Suc- 
cession on colonial trade, 402 ; Eng- 
lish descents on the coast, 2. 260, 
274, 279. See also wars by name. 

Freebody, Thomas, opposed to Sher- 
wood, 2. 422, 425. 

Freiburg, siege, i. 278. 

French and Indian War, Rhode Island 
troops, I. xxxv-xxxvii ; privateers, 
xxxvii ; French encroachments on 
the Ohio, 2. 144, 145 ; sailing of Brad- 
dock's forces, 146; Rhode Island 
activity commended, 147; Shirley's 
preparations for campaign of 1755, 
149; and the Indians, 150, 158, 194, 
203, 228 ; equipment and transporta- 
tion of Rhode Island troops for 
Crown Pointexpeditionof 1755, ^5^" 
153, 159; reinforcements for Crown 
Point expedition, 152, 162 ; news of, 
in England, 153, 155, 174; capture 
of Chignecto, N. S., 155; effect of 
Braddock's defeat, 157; scout on 
Ticonderoga in, 1755, 177-179; plan 
for winter attack on Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point, 181-185 ; prepara- 
tion in England for, 1756, 187, 
198, 213; Loudoun commander-in- 
chief, 187 ; plan and preparation 
for campaign of 1756, 188-191, 195- 
197, 202, 222, 226 ; colonial levies 
for 1756, 189-193, 195, 201-204, 216, 
220, 227 ; transportation problems, 
191, 195, 202, 222 ; arms and com- 
missary supplies for 1756, 196, 198, 
206, 218; foreign officers, 198; re- 
enlistments, 204; command of pro- 
vincials in 1756, 204; government 
of forces, 216; condition of troops 
in 1756, 221, 223, 232, 239-242; de- 
sertions, 221, 255, 329, 337 ; regulars 
and provincials, 222, 226, 240, 243; 



rank and commission of provincial 
officers, 227, 239, 267, 281, 300; cap- 
ture of Oswego and its effect, 231, 
239; criticism of campaign of 1756, 
232, 233 ; Webb's retreat down the 
Mohawk, 233 ; commissary affairs at 
end of campaign of 1756,237 ; Lou- 
doun's observations on the cam- 
paign of 1756, 238-243; levies for 
1757, 241, 246, 255-257; raising 
troops for particular service con- 
demned, 242, 243, 246 ; regulars for 
1757, 244; preparation for campaign 
of 1757, 246 ; king's share in expense 
of colonial forces, 247, 268, 282, 301 ; 
pay, arms, and supplies, 247, 249, 
267, 26S, 277, 278, 283, 302 ; squad- 
rons from England, 254, 270; cap- 
ture of Fort William Henry, 261 ; 
preparation for campaign of 1768, 
265-269 ; levies for 1758, 265; Aber- 
crombie connnander-in-chief, 270; 
capture of Louisbourg, 279 ; defeat 
before Ticonderoga, 279 ; prepara- 
tion for campaign of 1759, 280-284; 
preparation for campaign of 1760, 
299-303; levies voted for 1759, 322; 
instructions to Rhode Island troops 
for 1762, 325, 326; payment of 
Rhode Island billeting account, 
326-329; recruiting for 1762, 330; 
Rhode Island troops for 1762, 330, 
Zyi-> 338; method of recruiting, 333; 
condition of reenlistments for 1763, 
340-342, 350 ; Amherst praises 
Rhode Island troops, 341 ; Rhode 
Island troops at Fort Stanwix in 
1763, 345. 35° ; levies for 1761, 349- 
See also Reimbursement, Seven 
Years' War. 

Frontier defence, attitude of Rhode 
Island, I. 16. 

Fry, Thomas, officer in the French 
and Indian War, 2. 328. 

Gage, Gen. Thomas, request for troops 
in 1763, 2. 357 ; expected movement 

in 1775' 439. 440. 

Gardner, John, from Shirley, 1755, 
commendation of Rhode Island, 2. 
147. 

Attests Louisbourg expedition ac- 
counts, 2. 39 ; on Committee of War, 
278 ; deputy-governor, 359. 

Gardner, Thomas, 2. 437. 

George II., 1739, warrant for reprisal 
on Spain, i. 106; 1740, secret in- 



478 



Index 



structions on Cartagena expedition, 
146; from Rhode Island, 1729, 
petition for cannon, 15. See also 
Privy Council. 

On the Continent, i. 82, 181, 331, 
346, 354, 370, 2. 66, 68, 79, 84, 135. 

George III., from Rhode Island, 1766, 
loyal address, 2. 388. 
Proclaimed, 2. 310. 

George, Fort, in Rhode Island, i. 37. 

Gibbs, George, marshal, i. 244. 

Gibbs, Robert, to Gov. R. Ward, 1741, 
Thornton affair, i. 191, 192. 

Gidley, John, judge of Admiralty, i. 
227 n. 

Gleasier, Col. Bemsley, to Gov. Hop- 
kins, 1756, reenlistments, 2. 204. 

Commands Fort William Henry, 
2. 179. 

Glynn, Thomas, 2. 403. 

Goddard, William, plan for postal re- 
form, 2. 434. 

Goff, Charles, killed, 2. 227. 

Gooch, William, governor of Vir- 
ginia, to Gov. J. Wanton, 1740, 
preparation for Cartagena expedi- 
tion, I. 165; from Gov. R. Ward, 
same, 167, 174. 

To command provincials in Car- 
tagena expedition, i. 164. 

Gordon, William, 2. 218, 219. 

Goudy, Alexander, assault on Massa- 
chusetts sheriff, i. 49-52, 59. 

Goulding, George, i. 122, 208. 

Governor, colonial, status, i. x-xii ; 
list and terms of Rhode Island, xli ; 
objection to oath of allegiance by, 
in Rhode Island and Connecticut, 
64; salary in Rhode Island, 217; 
colonial agent of Rhode Island to 
use impersonal superscription, 351. 

Gower, Lord, resigns Privy Seal, 2. 

Grafton, Duke of, in Rockingham's 

ministry, 2. 367. 
Grant, Lieut.-Col., expedition against 

the Cherokees, 2. 349. 
Grant, Lieut., killed or captured, 2. 

223. 
Granville, Earl of. President of the 

Council, 2. 131. 
Gray, Robert, slave-trader, 2. 369. 
Green, Benjamin, deputy, 2. 359. 
Green, Thomas, 2. 419. 
Greene, Jeremiah, captain in French 

and Indian War, 2. 328. 
Greene, Gov. William, to Gov. Clin- 



ton, 1746, enslaved Spanish negroes, 

1. 427 ; to the Deputies, 1745, Louis- 
bourg expedition, 306; 1750, paper 
money, 2. 116; to the governor of 
Havana, 1746, enslaved negroes, i. 
425 ; to Gov. Law, 1744, joint cruise 
of sloops, 261, 267, 272; 1745, Louis- 
bourg expedition, 324 ; to the Lords 
of Trade, 1750, iron manufactures, 

2. 129; to Newcastle, 1744, neutral 
trade, i. 250; to Partridge, 1743, 
naval officer, 242 ; 1746, boundary, 
2. I ; cannon, 23; 1749, reimburse- 
ment for Canadian expedition, 92 ; 
to Gov. Sharpe, 1754, French en- 
croachments, 144 ; to Gov. Shirley, 

1745, Louisbourg expedition, i. 312 ; 

1746, 1747, defence of Nova Scotia, 
2. 30, 46; to Gov. Thomas, 1746, 
enslaved Spanish negroes, i. 427. 

From D. Fones, 1745, Louisbourg 
expedition, i. 329; from Gov. Law, 
1744, joint cruise of sloops, 267, 268, 
274; 1745, Louisbourg expedition, 
326; from New York, 1746, An- 
ville's fleet, 2. 20 ; from Partridge, 
1743, naval officer, boundary, war 
news, I. 233 ; 1744, naval officer, war 
news, paper money, boundary, 245, 
252, 254, 274, 288, 289, 295; 1745, 
cannon, boundary, war news, 308, 
313, 316, 330; 1746, boundary, re- 
imbursement, cannon, war news, 
naval officer, 432, 2. 25, 27 ; 1747, 
reimbursement, 35; 1748, same, 64, 
68, 77, 79, 82, 87 ; 1750, same, 103; 

1751, paper money. Sugar Bill, 130; 

1752, Sugar Bill, account, 135 ; 1753, 
same, 138; 1754, attack on the char- 
ter, 140; potash, 142; French on 
the Ohio, 143; Braddock's force, 
Sugar Bill, war rumors, 145; 1757, 
war news, cannon, 253, 258; 1758, 
reimbursement, 271; from Gov. 
Shirley, 1744, defence of Nova 
Scotia, I. 263; French privateers, 
271 ; 1745, Louisbourg expedition, 
298, 303, 320; 1746, intercolonial 
commission, 417 ; Canadian expedi- 
tion, 420, 421, 424, 428, 2. 3; An- 
ville's fleet, 12, 15; 1747, disasters 
to Rhode Island troops, 34; 1755, 
war preparations, 149; from Ad- 
miral Warren, 1746, Canadian ex- 
pedition, I. 428, 429, 2. 3 ; convoy, 
3 ; Anville's fleet, 1 5 ; from Gen. 
Webb, 1757, condition of troops. 



Index 



479 



255 ; reinforcements, 256 ; from Sec. 
Willard, 1744, counterfeit currency, 
I. 269 ; riot and extradition, 2S3 ; 
1745, same, 325 ; from R. VVolcott, 
1745, Louisbourg expedition, 328. 
As governor, i. xxxviii. 

Greenhill, Capt, i. 427. 

Greenleaf, Stephen, i. 298. 

Gregory, George, i. 2S1. 

Grenard, Lord, i. 211. 

Grenville, James, Lord of Trade, 2. 
102. 

Griffith, Capt, i. 361. 

Gunn, Stephen, courier, 2. 249. 

Haddock, Admiral, i. 114. 

Hadwen, John, 2. 345. 

Hale, H., commissioner of customs, 

1. 40. 

Halifax, Dunk, Lord, Lord of Trade, 

2. 102 ; resignation and reinstate- 
ment, 259. 

Halket, Sir Peter, 2. 175. 

Hall, Mr., i. 382. 

Hall, Capt., I. 179, 181. 

Hall, Ezekiel, i. 258. 

Hall, Capt. Fair, and the ougar Bill, 

1. 24, 27. 

Hamilton, James, governor of Penn- 
sylvania, to Gov. Hopkins, 1763, 
money due Rhode Island, 2. 353. 

Hamilton, John, boundary commis- 
sioner, I. 102. 

Hamilton, Otho, boundary commis- 
sioner, I. 102. 

Hammond, W., sheriff, return, 2. 

359- 
Hampton, Alexander, deposition, 2. 

403- 
Hanbury, John, 2. 201. 
Hanover, convention of Cloisterseven, 

2. 259; evacuated by the French, 
274. 

Hardwick, Earl of, resigns from the 
ministry, 2. 244. 

Hardy, Sir Charles, governor of New 
York, to Gov. Hopkins, 1756, war 
news, 2. 193 ; quotas of troops, com- 
mand, 203. 

And the plan of campaign for 
1756, 2. 226. 

Hargill, Christopher, officer in French 
and Indian War, 2. 328-330. 

Harrington, Lord, 2. 30. 

Harris, Col. Christopher, in French 
and Indian War, 2. 159, 221, 232. 

Harrison, Capt., i. 103. 



Harrison, Capt. Joseph, 2. 259, 334, 

401, 427. 
Harrison, Peter, i. 163. 
Harvey, Seth, i. 379. 
Hassard, George, deputy, 2. 359. 
Havana, governor of, from Gov. 

Greene, 1746, enslaved Spanish ne- 
groes, I. 425. 
Hawke, Admiral Edward, 2. 64 ; sails, 

1 55; commands Mediterranean fleet, 

225. 
Hawkins, Abraham, officer in French 

and Indian War, 2. 328, 329. 
Hawley, Joseph, 2. 437. 
Hazard, Col. Joseph, 2. 399. 
Henenden, William, lieutenant in 

French and Indian War, 2. 329. 
Henry, James, 2. 179. 
Hat, Rene, deposition on Anville's 

fleet, 2. 13. 
Hill, John, commissioner of customs, 

I. 40. 
Hill, Thomas, secretary of I^ords of 

Trade, to Rhode Island, 1751, acts 

of Parliament, 2. 134. 
Hill, Lieut. Thomas, complaint against 

Rhode Island in the St. John af- 
fair, 2. 364, 366. 
Hillsborough, Lord, to Rhode Island, 

176S, escaped murderer, 2. 402. 
Hoar, Capt., 2. 25. 
Hohenfriedberg, battle, i. 345. 
Holburn, Admiral, 2. 271. 
Holden, William, to Gov. R. Ward, 

1741, Thornton affair, i. 192. 
Holderness, Earl of, Secretary of 

State, 2. 131, 137. 
Honeyman, J., i. 228, 394; assistant, 

2- 359- 

Hop, Netherlands envoy, complaint 
of depredations on neutral trade, i. 
225, 230. 

Hopkins, George, to receive the reim- 
bursement money, 2. 236. 

Hopkins, Josiah, lieutenant in French 
and Indian War, 2. 329. 

Hopkins, Ruf us, commissary in French 
and Indian War, 2. 218. 

Hopkins, Gov. Stephen, to Abercrom- 
bie, 1758, Rhode Island troops, 2. 
277; to the Assembly, 1755, Brad- 
dock's defeat, 157 ; 1756, paper 
money, 234; 1755, 1764, summons 
of Assembly, 162, 357 ; to the Depu- 
ties, 1756, troops, 216; 1758, 1759, 
defence, 273, 288. 

From Major Angell, 1756, condi- 



48o 



Index 



tion of troops, 2. 221 ; condition of 
the campaign, 231 ; from William 
Bayard, reimbursement money, 236; 
from the Committee of War, 1755, 
equipment, transportation, 151, 152; 
from Capt. Cornell, 1763, Rhode Is- 
land troops, 350 ; from Gov. Denny, 

1756, greeting, 229 ; from Gov. 
F'itch, quotas of troops, 192 ; Indian 
treaty, 228; from Col. Gleasier, re- 
enlistments, 204 ; from Gov. Hamil- 
ton, 1763, overplus due Rhode Is- 
land, 350; from Gov. Hardy, 1756, 
war news, 193 ; quotas of troops, 
command, 226 ; from William John- 
son, 1755, leave f^"" ^^^- Harris, 159; 
from C. Kilby, 1757, commissary 
supplies, 249 ; from J. Osborne, 

1757, courier, 248 ; from Partridge, 

1755, greeting, war news, 153, 155; 
cannon, 173; reimbursement, 175; 

1756, reimbursement, war news, in- 
surance, cannon, 186, 198, 206, 213, 
223; 1757, war news, 244; 1758, 
war news, 278 ; judge of Admiralty, 
273; 1759. reimbursement, 284; ill- 
ness and succession to agency, 286 ; 
from J. Pownall, 1757, acts of Par- 
liament, 247 ; from William Robin- 
son, 1768, deed to Indian lands, 
400; from Sherwood, 1759, Admi- 
ralty court, reimbursement, 2S9, 292, 
296; 1760, reimbursement, 303, 305, 
307, 309; 1761, reimbursement, 313, 
316, 318; 1762, protested bills, re- 
imbursement, 322; 1763, reimburse- 
ment, colonial trade, 347, 350, 351, 
354' 356; 1765, Stamp Act petitions, 
360; Quartering Act, St. John af- 
fair, colonial trade, 363 ; New York 
and the Quartering Act, new taxes, 
Stamp Act riot and reimbursement, 
395' 396; 1768, reimbursement, ac- 
count, 401 ; from Shirley, 1756, win- 
ter attack on Ticonderoga, iSi ; 
preparation for the campaign, 188, 
195, 201 ; Webb's retreat, arrange- 
ment for reimbursement money, 
233 ; from T. Stephens, potash, 
230 ; from N. Whiting, condition of 
troops, 180; from Gen. Winslow, 
strength of Rhode Island forces, 
219; plan of campaign, 222, 256. 

Career, i. xxxiv-xl, and the 
Thornton affair, 191, 193; pamphlet 
on Stamp Act in England, 2. 362. 
See also Ward-Hopkins. 



Hopkins, Tibbets, captain in French 

and Indian War, 2. 328. 
Hopkins, Capt. William, from Gen. 

Wentworth, 1742, Cartagena expe- 
dition abandoned, i. 220. 

Captain in Cartagena expedition, 

I. 199; sent home to raise recruits, 

202-204, 206, 209 ; privateer, 232 ; 

recruiting money, 390, 391. 
Horsmanden, Daniel, New York 

councillor, 2. 14, 21. 
House of Lords, 1739, addresses on 

colonial money, i. iii, 112. 
Howard, Mr., 2. 233. 
Howard, Martin, Jr., demand for riot 

indemnification, 2. 387, 396. 
Howe, Com. Richard, on French 

coast, 2. 279. 
Howland, Isaac, deputy, 2. 359. 
Hubbard, Ezekiel, i. 379. 
Hull, Capt. John, i. 215. 
Hull, Dr. Teddeman, i. 215. 
Hutchinson, Thomas, agent to Rhode 

Island, on Louisbourg expedition, 

1. 306, 312. 
Huybling, Coenvaat, i. 231. 
Hyde, Jonathan, i. 258. 

Impressment, attitude of Rhode Is- 
land, I. XXX ; in the colonies, 235- 
242,2. 271; resistance, i. 239; or- 
ders to captains, 241 ; by Rhode 
Island, 368 ; by Massachusetts, 

2. I. 

Indians, and Rhode Island settlers, r. 
2 ; and King George's War, 260, 
262, 269, 352, 374-378, 3S3, 395-399. 
405, 406, 416, 2. 4, 6, 50-52 ; and the 
French and Indian War, 150, 158, 
194, 203, 228; expedition against 
the Cherokees, 349; controversy 
over deed of land in Rhode Island, 
398-400. 

Indigo, parliamentary resolution on 
colonial trade in, 2. 3S6. 

Inman, Ralph, 2. 432. 

Insurance on reimbursement money, 
2. 224. 

Ireland, Thurot's descent on the coast, 
2. 307. 

Iron, parliamentriry bill against colo- 
nial manufactures threatened, i. 47, 
55, 83 ; bill dropped, 89, 90; text of 
dropped bill of 1738, 90-94; colo- 
nial opposition to the bill, loi, 105; 
bill renewed, 2. 98, 99 ; passed, 100; 
Rhode Island not affected, 129; 



Index 



48 1 



encouragement of importation into 
England, 253. 
Iroquois Indians, and King George's 
War, I. 260, 262, 269, 398, 405, 406, 
416, 2. 4, 6; supplies for, 50-52 ; and 
French and Indian War, 150, 203. 

Jackson, Robert, i. 258. 

Jacob, Joseph, 2. 64, 171. 

Jacobson, Capt., 2. 278. 

Jarvis, Leonard, 2. 250. 

Jaynes, Capt., killed, i. 339. 

Jencks, Daniel, to Gov. R. Ward, 1741, 
Thornton affair, i. 192. 

Mentioned, 2. 153, 357 ; suggested 
for governor, 324. 

Jencks, Ebenezer, officer in the French 
and Indian War, 2. 205, 328. 

Jencks, John, 2. 377. 

Jencks, Gov. Joseph, to George II., 
1729, cannon, i. 15; to Rhode Is- 
land government, 1732, valedictory, 
29; from Partridge, 1731, .Sugar 
Bill, 19. 

Boundary commissioner, i. xxiv ; 
as governor, xxiv ; contest over 
veto of a paper money bill, xxiv, 20- 

25.31- 

Jencks, William, to _J. Wanton, 1733, 
1734, boundary, i. 38, 54. 

Jenkes, Jonathan, extradition of, de- 
manded, I. 60. 

Jenkins, Lieut., of the Maidstone, 2. 
376. 

Jephson, Capt., i. 295. 

Johns, R., 2. 405. 

Johnson, Capt., 2. 215. 

Johnson, Augustas, attorney-general, 

2- 359- 

Johnson, Noah, 2. 179. 

Johnson, William, to Gov. Hopkins, 
1755, leave for Col. Harris, 2. 159. 

Indian superintendent, 2. 150; re- 
ward for Crown Point expedition, 
175, 186 ; and the plan of campaign 
in 1756, 226 ; and the deed to Indian 
lands in Rhode Island, 399. See also 
Crown Point. 

Josselyn, Henry, prosecuted by Rhode 
Island, I. 59. 

Judah, Jacob, prisoner of war, 2. 54. 

Jury trial, 2. 418. 

Kay, Nathaniel, i. 46. 
Kellam, Thomas, 2. 433. 
Kennedy, Archibald, boundary com- 
missioner, I. 102. 

VOL. II. 



Kilby, Capt., 2. 38. 

Kilby, Christopher, to Gov. Hopkins, 
1757, commissary supplies, 2. 249. 

Massachusetts agent, i. 147, 154; 
accused of aspersing Rhode Island, 
358 ; advances money on Rhode Is- 
land billeting account, 2. 339. 

Kimbal, Asa, officer in French and 
Indian War, 2. 328, 329. 

King George's War, measures for co- 
lonial defence, i. 259-262 ; and the 
Iroquois, 260, 262, 269, 398, 405, 
406, 416, 2. 4, 6, 50-52 ; joint cruise 
of Rhode Island and Connecticut 
sloops, I. 261, 267-269, 273, 274 ; 
P'rench privateers, 271-274; war on 
the Penobscot Indians, 352, 374- 
yi"^^ 3^3' 395-397 ; pohcy of frontier 
fighting, 396; threatened descent of 
Anville's fleet, 2. 10-23, 29-31 ; re- 
demption of prisoners, 53-55. See 
also Austrian Succession, Canadian 
expedition, Louisbourg expedition, 
Nova Scotia. 

Kinnicutt, Col. Edward, to Gov. G. 
Wanton, 1748, pay of levies, 2. 
60. 

Mentioned, 2. 34, 58, 132. 

Ki)i7iinitt, sloop, affair, 2. 355. 

Kinsman, Melchisedec, wanted for 
murder, 2. 402-407 ; description, 
407. 

Knowles, Sir Charles, to Shirley and 
Warren, 1746, Anville's fleet, 2. 10; 
proclamation disbanding Canadian 
expedition, 55. 

Knox, W., to Rhode Island, 1774, 
acts of Parliament, 2. 436. 

La Jonquiere, Admiral, defeated, 2. 

48. 

Lambertie, Marquis de, complaints 
against Rhode Island, 2. 160, 161, 
163-173. 188. 

Lascelles, Thomas, i. 281. 

Law, Jonathan, governor of Connecti- 
cut, to Gov. Greene, 1744, joint 
cruise of sloops, i. 267, 268, 274 ; 
1745, Louisbourg expedition, 326 ; 
to Gov. G. Wanton, garrison at 
Louisbourg, law-suit, 381 ; 1746, 
joint cruise of sloops, 408. 

From Gov. Greene, 1744, joint 
cruise of sloops, i. 261, 267, 272; 
1745, Louisbourg expedition, 324. 

Laws, colonial, submission for royal 
approval, i. 63, 75, 148, 154, 157; 



482 



Index 



deference to English policy, 63, 73 ; 
Lords of Trade inquiry concern- 
ing, on trade, 72, 73. See also Par- 
liament. 

Lechmere, Thomas, i. 96; surveyor- 
general, 216. 

Lee, Joseph, 2. 100. 

Leheup, Peter, treasurer, 2. 115. 

Lestock, Admiral, and the Toulon 
fight, I. 248, 311, 332; measures to 
warn, of Anville's fleet, 2. 15-19, 
21-23; ri°* ^^'^'^ ^^ America, 29. 

Letters of marque, royal warrant for, 
against Spain, i. 106-108 ; power to 
issue, 159, 160. 

Lisbon, earthquake, 2. 175. 

Livingston, Philip, boundary commis- 
sioner, I. 102. 

Lloyd, Robert, 2. 417. 

Lockman, Leonard, appointed judge 
of Admiralty, i. 224 ; controversy 
over appointment as naval officer, 
227-230, 233, 242-246, 252, 255, 311, 

344, 2- 30- 92- 

London, interest of merchants of, in 
colonial affairs, 2. 361-365, 375, 391. 

Lopez, Moses, potash monopoly, 2. 
142 n. 

Lords of the Admiralty, instructions 
to captains, 1743, impressment, i. 
241 ; to Lords Justices, same, 238 ; 
to Rhode Island, 1740, letters of 
marque, 159; warrant, 1758, appoint- 
ment of judge of Vice- Admiralty, 2. 
275; from Sherwood, 1759, petition 
for officers for court of Vice-Admi- 
ralty, 291. See also Corbett, Vice- 
Admiralty. 

Lords Committee of Council, consid- 
eration of the Massachusetts-Rhode 
Island boundary dispute, i. 94, 95, 
98, 223, 228, 234, 246, 277, 279, 288, 
2S9, 291-294, 296. See also Privy 
Council. 

Lords Justices, to Rhode Island, 1740, 
value of foreign coins, i. 176; from 
Lords of Admiralty, impressment, 
238; from Partridge, 1743, naval 
officer appointment, 22S. See also 
Stone. 

Lords of Trade, to Rhode Island, 1735, 
laws on trade in force, i. 72 ; 1739, 
transmitting addresses, iii; 1741, 
acts on trade of Parliament, 190; 
1750, boundaries, 2. loi ; 1765, de- 
siring information, 371 ; 1747, report 
on Louisbourg expedition reim- 



bursement, 49. See also Hill (T.), 
PownaU (J.). 

From Gov. Greene, 1750, iron 
manufactures, 2. 129 ; from Par- 
tridge, 1724, charter, i. 13; 1749, 
Canadian expedition reimbursement, 
2. 104, 114; 1756, cannon, 209; from 
Privy Council, 1746, Louisbourg ex- 
pedition expenses, 37 ; from Rhode 
Island, 1735, laws on trade in force, 

^- 73-. 

Duties, I. xiv ; unfriendly to char- 
ter governments, 30 ; hearing on 
boundary dispute, 86-S9 ; investiga- 
tion of colonial paper money, 161 ; 
form of petition to, for cannon, 314; 
reduces Rhode Island's bill for 
Canadian expedition, 97 ; powers, 

137- 

Lords of the Treasury, from Partridge, 
1748, petitions on reimbursement, 
2. 72, 89 ; from Gov. S. Ward, 1765, 
Robinson's complaint, 373. See also 
West. 

Loudoun, Earl of, to Rhode Island, 
1756, observations on the late cam- 
paign, 2. 238. 

Commander-in-chief in America, 
2. 187 ; departure for America, 214, 
215; and the campaign of 1756, 
231 ; removed, 270. 

Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island, 
Auchmuty's plan to capture, i. 255 ; 
convoy from, 2. 3; ships at, in 1746, 
18 ; capture in 1758, 279. See also 
Cape Breton Island, and next title. 

Louisbourg expedition, 1745, attitude 
and participation of Rhode Island, i. 
xxviii-xxxi, 306, 307, 312, 320, 324, 
32S, 333-335' 347. 348, 351, 354,357, 

360, 361, 363-370, 372-374, 379,380. 
409, 412-414; requirements, 29S; 
plan of attack, 299-302 ; French 
garrison, 302, 305 ; genesis, 303-306 ; 
cooperation of colonies expected, 
303, 306 ; force to be raised, 305 ; 
naval force and operations, 313, 322, 

327-330, 334, 346-350, 351. 355. 35(5, 

361, 362, 367, 378-381 ; Massachu- 
setts levies, 322; ordnance from 
New York, 322; commands and 
commissions, 324, 326, 382 ; sailing 
of Connecticut force, 328; royal 
attitude, 333, 364; progress of the 
attack, 335-342 ; capture of the 
grand battery, 336; reinforcements 
desired, 340-346; officers com- 



Index 



483 



mended, 342 ; defeat of French re- 
inforcements, 349 ; capture, 352; in- 
terest in England, 354 ; news of 
capture in England, 358, 370; cap- 
ture and condemnation of French 
East India ship, 361-363 ; question 
of reimbursement to Rhode Island 
and other colonies, 369, 370, 409- 
415. 432-434, 2. 36-40, 47-50, 63, 
66; garrison after capture, i. 38 1, 
384-389 ; expected French attack, 
385 ; pay of garrison, 388 ; power 
of colonial agents to receive reim- 
bursement, 410, 2. 66, 78, 80-83, 
85-87 ; Rhode Island petition for 
reimbursement, 412-415; Lords of 
Trade to investigate claim to reim- 
bursement, 2. 37 ; report of Lords 
of Trade, 47-50; reimbursement 
and paper money, 70, 78, 80-83, 
94 ; payment of reimbursement to 
Rhode Island, 100, 103, 115. See 
also next title above. 

Lyndon, Gov. Josias, from Sherwood, 
1769, reimbursement, 2. 413. 

Clerk of the House of Deputies, 
2. 95' 2S7, 390. 

Lyttelton, W. H., governor of South 
Carolma, captured, 2. 172. 

Macleane, S., 2. 398. 

McSparran, Dr., i. 85. 

Maidstone case, i. 359. 

Malbone, Godfrey, i. 115. 

Mansfield, Lord.' See Murray (W.). 

Manufactures, measure against colo- 
nial, I. 55, 62, 67, 70, 87, loi ; 
Rhode Island attitude, 64 ; en- 
couragement of potash, 2. 131, 135, 
142, 143. See also Iron. 

Maplesdon, Capt., ship seized by Sal- 
letine cruiser, 2. 154. 

Maps of Rhode Island, i. 70. 

Martin, James, secretary of Rhode 
Island, to Partridge, 1734, royal veto 
of Rhode Island laws, i. 63 ; bound- 
ary, 65. 

Martinique, naval battle, i. 400. 

Maryland, House of Delegates to 
Rhode Island House, 1770, resolu- 
tion on colonial rights, 2.416,417. 
See also Sharpe. 

Refuses to join intercolonial com- 
mission of 1746, I. 420. 

Mascarene, John Paul, lieutenant- 
governor of Nova Scotia, to Shirley, 
1744, reinforcements, i. 265. 



And the boundary commission, i. 
102 ; warned of expected attack, 
3S5; no news of Anville's fleet, 2. 

15- 

Mason, Samuel, affair, i. 124, 179. 

Massachusetts, Council, 1747, resolu- 
tion on defence of Nova Scotia, 
2.45; General Court, to Rhode Is- 
land, 1734, boundary violence, i. 57 ; 
1744, vote on defence of Annapolis, 
263 ; General Court, from R. Ward, 
1731, boundary, 18; House of 
Representatives from Rhode Island 
House, 1768, colonial rights, 2. 410. 
See also Belcher, Phips, Pownall 
(T.), Shirley, Willard. 

Religious intolerance, i. 14; de- 
mands on Rhode Island for extradi- 
tion, 60, 284, 323, 325 ; admonished 
against paper money, 120; com- 
plaint against Rhode Island paper 
money, 207, 213 ; and the Canadian 
expedition of 1746, 424; colonial 
impressment, 2. i ; fears Anville's 
fleet, 12; reinforcement for Nova 
Scotia, 35, 43-46; and the Louis- 
bourg expedition reimbursement, 
36, 86; defeat of troops in Nova 
Scotia, 41 ; supplies for Iroquois, 51, 
150; prisoners of war, 53; project 
to call in paper money, 61, 124; 
paper money not current in, 1 19, 
123; emissions of paper money, 123, 
126; levies for 1755, 149; levies 
for 1756, 188, 195, 201; and the 
reimbursement of 1755. 1S6, 200, 
234; measures of defence, 258; re- 
imbursement of 1756, 297; troo])s 
voted in 1759, 3^2; troops voted 
and raised in 1761, 349; reimburse- 
ment of 1760, 351; acts of Par- 
liament against, 436, 437. See 
also Boundary, Louisbourg expedi- 
tion. 

Massachusetts Government Act sent 
to Rhode Island, 2. 436, 437. 

Mast fleet, i. 345. 

Matthews, Admiral, i. 247 ; fight at 
Toulon, 248, 249; inquiry into con- 
duct, 311, 332. 

Mawdsley, John, and the reimburse- 
ment of 1756, 2. 422, 425, 427. 

Mediterranean passes, i. 47, 2. 415. 

Mellish, Mr., 2. 373. 

Merchants of London, from Gov. 
Ward, 1766, thanks, 2. 391. See 
also London. 



484 



Index 



Millard, Jonathan, ensign in French 
and Indian War, 2. 329. 

Milliken, Mr., i. 376. 

Minas, N. S., Canadians at, 2. 31. 

Minden, battle, 2. 306. 

Ministry, attempt to distress Wal- 
pole's, 1742, I. 210; changes, 1742, 
211; 1746, 2. 30; 1750, Id; 1751, 

131; 1754. 141; 1755. 174; 1757, 
244 ; 1763, 352 ; Rockingham's, 1765, 

367- 

Minorca, French attack on, 2. 213, 215, 
224, 225. 

Mirapoia, Duke de, 2. 165. 

Moffat, Thomas, demand for riot in- 
demnity, 2. 387, 396. 

Money, parliamentary inquiry on value 
of specie, i. 113; drain from the 
colonies, 156 ; value of foreign, 176, 
1 86. See also Paper money. 

Montagu, Duke of, master-general of 
ordnance, to the Council, 1744, can- 
non for Rhode Island, i. 282 ; from 
the Office of Ordnance, same, 279. 

Montagu, Admiral, complaint against 
Rhode Island, 2. 430. 

Montague, Capt. William, i. 358. 

Moore, John, 2. 21. 

Morris, Capt., i. 97. 

Morris, Col. Lewis, and the boundary 
dispute, I. 67. 

Morris, Owen, charged with kidnap- 
ping, 2. 368, 371- . 

Moulton, Capt., in Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, I. 339. 

Mumford, Nathaniel, from Gov. S. 
Ward, 1762, billeting rolls, 2. 326. 

Mumford, Capt. Richard, to Gov. G. 
Wanton, 1745, Rhode Island troops 
at Louisbourg, French prize, i. 361. 

Mumford, William, candidate for 

' Vice-Admiralty office, 2. 291. 

Murray, Lieut.-Col., in French and 
Indian War, 2. 258. 

Murray, Joseph, New York council- 
lor, 2. 21. 

Murray, William (Lord Mansfield), 
solicitor-general, 1748, report on 
Louisbourg expedition reimburse- 
ment, 2. 84. 

Counsel for Rhode Island, i. 86, 
98, 224. 

Narragansett church land case, i. 

85- 
Naval officer, controversy over ap- 
pointment in Rhode Island, i. 226- 



230, 233, 242-246, 252, 255, 311, 344, 
2.30,92. 

Navy, preparations for war in 1734, i. 
56, 57 ; preparations for war with 
Spain, 88, 95, 1 14, 1 17 ; West Indian 
expedition, 1740, 127, 182, 185; act 
to encourage enlistment, 149, 159; 
prize money, 170 ; operations in 
War of the Austrian Succession, 
247, 248, 252, 253, 277, 371, 2. 29, 
48, 49, 64 ; Toulon fight, i. 248, 249, 
311, 332; cruise of colonial sloops, 
261, 267-269, 273, 274, 40S ; in 
Louisbourg expedition, 298, 301, 
313. 322, 327-330, 334, 341, 346-350. 
355, 356, 361, 362, 378-381 ; Rhode 
Island accused of harboring de- 
serters, 354, 360 ; threatened de- 
scent of Anville's fleet on American 
coast, 2. 10-23, 29-31 ; act to pro- 
mote supplies, 134; capture of mer- 
chant ships before declaration of 
war, 162, 171, 172, 187, 199; opera- 
tions in Seven Years' War, 213, 225, 
260, 270, 274, 279, 293, 307 ; Mi- 
norca affair, 213, 215, 224, 225; Con- 
necticut coast guard in 1775, 443- 
See also Privateers, Prizes. 

Nellie, sloop, case, 2. 376-379. 

Nelson, John, deposition, i. 271. 

Netherlands, complains of depreda- 
tions on neutral trade, i. 225, 230- 
233, 250; and the War of the Aus- 
trian Succession, 247, 248, 404, 2. 48. 

Neutral trade, depredations on, i. 
225, 230-233, 250. 

New Hampshire, attempt to annex 
Rhode Island to, i. xxiii, 8, 11-14; 
boundary dispute with Massachu- 
setts, 98 ; troops for Louisbourg ex- 
pedition, 321 ; troops for Canadian 
expedition of 1746, 424; Canadian 
expedition reimbursement, 2. 71; 
Louisbourg expedition reimburse- 
ment, 86 ; paper money, 118; levies 
for 1756, 189, 195; reimbursement 
of 1755, 200; reimbursement of 
1756, 304; troops voted in 1759, 
322 ; troops voted and raised in 
1761, 349. 

New Jersey, opposition to the Sugar 
Act, I. 19, 31, 67, 71 ; Canadian ex- 
pedition reimbursement, 2. 68, 70 ; 
reimbursement of 1755, 200; reim- 
bursement of 1758, 298 ; troops 
voted in 1759, 322 ; troops voted 
and raised in 1761, 349. 



Index 



485 



New London Society, its bills of credit 
denied currency, i. 33. 

New York Assembly to Rhode Island 
Assembly, 1775, colonial grievances, 
2. 441 ; Council to Gov. Greene, 
1746, Anville's fleet, 20. See also 
Clarke (G.), Clinton, Hardy. 

Opposition to Sugar Act, i. 23, 
31 ; vacancy in governorship, 81 ; 
ordnance for Louisbourg expedition, 
322 ; inertness of the Assembly, 398 ; 
troops for 1756, 2, 189, 202, 203; 
reimbursement of 1755, -°° > reim- 
bursement of 1756, 304; troops 
voted in 1759, 322; troops voted 
and raised in 1761, 349; and the 
Quartering Act, 395. 

New York City, rumor of concentra- 
tion of regulars at, in 1775, 2. 439, 
440. 

Newcastle, Duke of, to Rhode Island, 

1739, violation of Spanisli conven- 
tion, I. 109 ; declaration of war, 121; 

1740, Cartagena expedition, 127, 
143; encouragement of trade, naval 
enlistment, and privateering, 149; 
recruits for Cartagena expedition, 
187; 1743, violation of neutral 
rights, 225; 1744, prize money, 253. 

From Gov. Greene, 1744, viola- 
tion of neutral rights, i. 250; from 
Gov. R. Ward, 1740, loyalty, 183 ; 

1741, Cartagena expedition, 199; 

1742, Cartagena expedition, paper 
mone}', 212. 

Resigns from the ministry, 2. 

244. 
Newell, Capt., i. 103. 
Newland, Lieut. Edmund, to Gov. S. 

Ward, 1762, recruiting, 2. 333. 
Newport, R. I., suffers through French 

and Indian War, i. xxxviii; fort 

at, 16, 2. 211; exposed position, 

262. 
News, monthly sheet, 2. 199. 
Newton, Thomas, to Gov. Fauquier, 

kidnapping, 2. 371. 
Nicholls, James, 2. 403. 
Nichols, Jonathan, deputy-governor 

of Rhode Island, from Partridge, 

1755, war news, 2. 173. See also 

Committee of War. 
Nicoll, John, comptroller at Newport, 

to Gov. S. Ward, 1766, complaint 

against court of Vice-Admiralty, 2. 

376, 394 ; from Gov. S. Ward, 1765, 

protection, 372. 



Ninigret, Narragansett sachem, land 
deeds, 2. 400. 

Noailles, Marshal, i. 234. 

Noble, Col., defeat in Nova Scotia, 
2. 41. 

Noel, Counsellor, retained by Massa- 
chusetts, I. 291. 

Non-importation agreement, 2. 420, 
424. 

Norris, Admiral Sir John, i. 57, 247, 
248. 

North Carolina, troops in 1761, 2. 349. 

Northey, Sir Edward, attorney-general, 
on impressment in America, i. 236. 

Northup, John, to Dep.-Gov. Cooke, 
1775, equipment, 2. 439. 

Norton, Fletcher, solicitor-general, 2. 
323 ; speaker, 416. 

Nova Scotia, reinforcement for An- 
napolis and, I. xxxi, 263-266, 304, 2. 
31-35.42-47-73-76, io8; supposed 
objective of French fleet, 17 ; Cana- 
dians retire from before Annapolis, 
31 ; defeat of Massachusetts rein- 
forcements, 41. 

Oath of allegiance, question of, by 
charter governors, i. 64 ; bill to re- 
quire, in colonial assemblies, 2. 208. 

Odgers, William, English customs of- 
ficer, murdered, 2. 402-407. 

Office of Ordnance to the Duke of 
Montagu, 1744, cannon for Rhode 
Island, I. 279. 

Oglethorpe, James, opposes the Sugar 
Bill, I. 26. 

Ohio River, French encroachments, 2. 
144, 145. 

Oldridge, Richard, i. 50. 

Oliver, Andrew, i. 250. 

Onslow, George, in Rockingham's min- 
istry, 2. 367. 

Onslow, Richard, death, 2. 306. 

Orrocks, Capt., i. 197. 

Osborne, John, to Gov. Hopkins, 1757, 
courier, 2. 248. 

Ostend, besieged, i. 371. 

Oswego, N. Y., reinforcements, 2. 226; 
captured, 231, 239. 

Otis, John, commissioner to run bound- 
ary line, 2. 96. 

Palmer, Eliakim, agent for Connecti- 
cut, and the Louisbourg expedition 
reimbursement. 2. 86. 

Paper money, Jencks's veto. i. xxiv, 
20-25, 27, 30, 47 ; burden in Rhode 



486 



Index 



Island, 33 ; of New London Society, 
33; Rhode Island emission of 1733, 
41,42; parliamentary inquiry, 112, 
116, 120, 124, 126, 139, 142, 147, 14S, 
1 86 ; and value of specie, 113; crown 
colonies forbidden to issue, charter 
colonies admonished, 120; counter- 
feit, 122, 270, 382, 2. 216 ; resolution 
of Commons on, 1. 148, 152, 154, 161 ; 
argument against English interfer- 
ence, 153, 155-158; necessary to 
colonial trade, 156; security, 156; 
and rise of exchange, 158 ; warning 
against a private issue in Massachu- 
setts, 169; Connecticut issue in 1740, 
186 ; report on Rhode Island issues, 
187, 189, 197 ; parliamentary act 
against private, 198 ; Rhode Island 
agent instructed to oppose suppres- 
sion, 201, 208, 284-287, 290; Massa- 
chusetts complains of Rhode Island, 
207, 213; Rhode Island Cartagena 
expedition issue, 213; expense of 
opposition to suppression, 20S, 255, 
403, 2. 132, 136, 139; parliamentary 
bill against, i. 254, 289, 294, 311, 
331, 344, 391,2. 83; colonial opposi- 
tion to the bill, I. 255, 295, 297, 403, 
2. 94 ; Shirley's comment on Rhode 
Island issues, i. 320; agent's caution 
against further issues, 391 ; and the 
Louisbourg expedition reimburse- 
ment, 2. 61, 62, 70, 78, 80-83, 86, 
88-90, 94; Massachusetts to call 
in, 61, 124; cause of multiplicity, 
94 ; issue for Canadian expedition 
expenses, 107 ; Greene's message 
against further issues, 1 16-129; de- 
preciation, 116, 120, 126, 234-236; 
outstanding in 1750, I17; New 
Hampshire bills, 118; not current in 
Massachusetts, 119, 123; and trade, 
118, 119; Massachusetts emissions, 
123, 126; royal disapprobation, 125- 
12S; and the Rhode Island charter, 
125, 127, 128; parliamentary act 
against, passed, 130, 134; petition 
of Newport merchants against, 136; 
Rhode Island Crown Point money, 
212 ; maintenance of credit in Rhode 
Island, 217 ; remedies for deprecia- 
tion, 234-236; Connecticut issue in 
1775' 442. 
Paris, F. J., to Partridge, 1737, connec- 
tion with Rhode Island cases, i. 85. 
Solicitor for Rhode Island in 
boundary dispute, i. 82, 84, 86; bill, 



106, 403 ; expects a gratuity, 423 ; 

billforother matters, 2. 132, 136, 139. 

Parliament, harmony with the king, 

1. 401 ; acts affecting the colonies, 

2. 100, 134, 208, 436; act on provi- 
sions, 245, 247 ; new election in 1761, 
317 ; Regency Bill, 364 ; to consider 
general state of America, 416. See 
also Iron, Manufactures, Paper 
money. Sugar Bill, Taxation, Trade. 

Partridge, Richard, agent for Rhode Is- 
land, to the Committee of War, 1755, 
Lambertie affair, 2. 160, 163, 16S ; to 
governor of Rhode Island, 1747, re- 
imbursement, war news, 38,47; 1750, 
reimbursement, acts of Parliament, 
97, 100 ; to Gov. Greene, 1743, naval 
olhcer, boundary, war news, i. 233; 
1744, naval officer, war news, 245; 
war news, 252; paper money, 254; 
account, war news, 274 ; boundary, 
paper money, 28S, 289, 295; 1745, 
cannon, boundary, 308, 313, 316, 
330; 1746, boundary, 422; reim- 
bursement, 432 ; cannon, boundary, 
account, reimbursement, war news, 
2. 25, 27 ; 1747, reimbursement, 35 ; 

1748, reimbursement, 64, 68, 71, 79, 
82, 87; 1750, reimbursement, 103; 

1751, paper money. Sugar Bill, 130; 

1752, Sugar Bill, account, 135 ; 1753, 
Sugar Bill, boundary, zeal for colo- 
ny's interests, 138; 1754, attack on 
the charter, 140; potash, 142; French 
on the Ohio, 143 ; Braddock's force. 
Sugar Bill, war rumors, 145; 1757, 
war news, cannon, 253, 258; 1758, 
reimbursement, 271 ; to Gov. Hof)- 
kins, 1755, greeting, war news, 153, 
155; cannon, 173; reimbursement, 
175; 1756, reimbursement, 186; re- 
imbursement, troops for America, 
war news, colonial union, 19S; re- 
imbursement, 206; war news, 213; 
shipment of reimbursement money, 
war news, 223 ; 1757, war news, 244 ; 
175S, judge of Vice- Admiralty, 273; 
war news, 278; 1759, reimburse- 
ment, 2S4 ; illness and succession in 
the agency, 286; to Gov. Jencks, 
1731, Sugar Bill, 1. 19 ; to the Lords 
Justices, 1743, naval office appoint- 
ment, 228 ; to the Lords of Trade, 
1724, defence of the charter, 13; 

1749, Canadian expedition charges, 
2. 104, 114; 1756, cannon, 209; to 
the Lords of the Treasury, 1748, 



Index 



487 



payment of reimbursement, 72, 89 ; 
to Sec. Martin, 1735, boundary, bill 
against manufactures, salary, i. 69 ; 
to Dep. - Gov. Nichols, 1755, war 
news, 2. 173; to the Privy Council, 
1745, boundary, i. 317, 392; 1746, 
reimbursement, 412 ; 1757, cannon, 
2. 262 ; to T. Ramsden, 1745, Rhode 
Island and the Louisbourg expedi- 
tion; I. 372, to T. Sandford, 1731, 
Jencks's veto, 24 ; to Sandys and 
Campbell (M. P's.), 1740, paper 
money, 155; to W. Sharpe, 1745, 
boundary, Rhode Island and Louis- 
bourg expedition, 359; 1746, plan 
of fort, Canadian expedition, 2. 26 ; 
to Gov. G. Wanton, 1745, greeting, 
boundary, naval officer, paper 
money, war news, i. 342 ; Louis- 
bourg expedition, 353 ; Rhode Is- 
land and Louisbourg expedition, 
fidelity to colony's interests, 357, 
370, 380 ; boundary, Hopkins affair, 
war news, paper money, 3S9 ; war 
news, 399; 1746, reimbursement, 
boundary, 408; 1748, reimburse- 
ment, 2. 62; to Gov. J. Wanton, 

1732, Jencks's veto, i. 20; Sugar Bill, 
Jencks's veto, 25; 1734, boundary, 
61 ; 1735, bill against manufactures, 
67; 1736, boundary, 78, 80; 1737, 
boundary. Iron Bill, 82 ; Solicitor 
Paris, 84; 173S, boundary. Sugar 
Bill, Iron Bill, war rumors, 86; Iron 
Bill, 90 ; boundary, 94, 95, 97 ; 1739, 
boundary, 100, 103 ; Iron Bill, 105; 
Paris'sbill, 106; Spanish crisis, 113; 
boundary. Sugar Bill, paper money, 
war news, 115; war news, boundary, 
117, 118, 121; 1740, boundary, 
Sugar Bill, paper money, 125; bound- 
ary, 138; ]5aper money, boundary, 
142, 147, 148, 161, 178 ; to Gov. W. 
Wanton, 1732, Jencks's veto, 30 ; 

1733, Sugar Bill, 34; account, 35; 

1734, Jencks's veto, Iron Bill, 46 ; 
Iron Bill, War of the Polish Suc- 
cession, 55 ; to Gov. R. W^ard, 1740, 
J. Wanton, boundary, war news, 
iSo; 1741, paper money, boundary, 
197, 207; 1742, fail of Walpole's 
ministry, 210 ; boundary, 218; 1743, 
boundary, 223; naval officer, 226; 
to Dep.-Gov. Whipple, 1744, bound- 
ary, 291. 

From P. Bours and others, 1749, 
account, 2. 91 ; from Gov. Cranston, 



1723, boundary, defence of the char- 
ter, I. I ; from the General Assem- 
bly, 1744, 1749, paper money, ac- 
count, 284, 290, 297, 2. 94 ; from Gov. 
Greene, 1743, naval officer, i. 242 ; 
1746, boundary, 2. i ; cannon, 23; 
1749, Canadian expedition charges, 
92 ; from Sec. Martin, 1734, royal 
veto, 1. 63; boundary, 65; from 
F. J. Paris, 1737, connection with 
Rhode Island cases, 85 ; from W. 
Sharpe, 1746, reimbursement, 434 ; 
from Gov. G. Wanton, 1745, bound- 
ary, remittance, plan of fort, super- 
scription of letters, 350 ; Rhode Is- 
land and the Louisbourg expedition, 
363 ; from Gov. J. Wanton, 1735, 
boundary, cannon, royal veto, 74; 
1736, boundary, 80 ; 1739, boundary. 
Sugar Bill, paper money, 123; from 
Gov. R. Ward, 1740, paper money, 
186, 189; 1741, account, paper 
money, 200; boundary, 214; 1742, 
Dr. Hull, 215; from the West In- 
dian agents, 1751, Sugar Bill, 2. 

133- 

Ancestry, i. xv ; as colonial agent, 
xvii-xx, 180, 342, 35S, 2. 138-140; 
promised gratuity for boundary set- 
tlement, I. XX, 66, 75, 294, 423, 2. 
91, 103 ; account and supply, i. 20, 
23,31. 62, 71, 74, So, 87, 99, 104, 
118, 17S, 187, 189, 198, 200, 208, 224, 
243, 255, 285, 287, 293, 296, 297, 331, 
344. 350. 354. 390. 402, 433, 2- 28, 79. 
91, 103, 136, 137, 171, 177, 214, 260, 
274, 275. 277, 284; salary, i. 28, 36, 47, 
66, 71, 75, 79; relation with Bel- 
cher feared, ^6, 69 ; connection with 
Massachusetts - New Hampshire 
boundary settlement, 98 ; amends 
Dummer's Defence, 256; authority 
to receive reimbursement money, 
410, 2. 26, 28, 66, 70, 78, 81, 91 ; ill- 
ness and death, 286, 287. 

Partridge, William, career, i. xv. 

Patterson, Capt., i. 163. 

Paxton, Charles, marshal, i. 244. 

Peagrum, John, surveyor-general, to 
Gov. J. Wanton, 1738, appointment 
of a collector, i. 96 ; to Gov. W. 
Wanton, 1734, authority over cus- 
toms, 42, 46, 53 ; from the Commis- 
sioners of Customs, 1733, instruc- 
tions, 39, 44. 

Credentials, i. 32; superseded, 
216. 



488 



Index 



Peck, Nathaniel, officer in French and 
Indian War, 2. 328, 329. 

Peers, Charles, commissioner of cus- 
toms, I. 32, 40. 

Pelham, Henry, paymaster-general, 
I. 202, 209; death, 2. 141. 

Pemberton, Judge, i. 251. 

Pembroke, Earl of, hears appeal on 
boundary controversy, i. 291. 

Pennsylvania, salary to agent, i. 294; 
troops voted in 1759, 2. 322; over- 
plus due Rhode Island, 346, 353, 
355' 359- See also Denny, Hamilton 
(J.), Thomas (G.). 

Penobscot Indians, from Shirley, 1745, 
warning, i. 352. 

Outrages and war on, i. 374-378, 
383, 395. 

Pepperell, William, to Massachusetts 
House of Representatives, 1745, re- 
port on plan to reduce Louisbourg, 
I. 305 ; to Shirley, progress of siege 
of Louisbourg, 335; to Gov. G. 
Wanton, recruits, 384 ; from Gov. 
Pownall, 1757, military order, 2. 257. 
Command in Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, I. 326; rumored reward, 372. 

Perrin, James, i. 254. 

Perry, Ebenezer, i. 52. 

Perry, F., 2. 399. 

Peters, Richard, 2. 403. 

Petition, right of, 2. 417. 

Phelps, Richard, from T. Bradshaw, 
1768, escaped murderer, 2. 405. 

Philipps, E. J., boundary commis- 
sioner, I. 102. 

Phillips, Mr., 2. 28. 

Phillips, Capt., i. 254. 

Phips, Lieut.-Gov. Spencer, to Gov. 
G. Wanton, 1745, Indian war, i. 374, 
383, 395 ; Louisbourg garrison, 3S5 ; 
from Shirley, same, 385. 

Pike, John, prisoner of war, 2. 54. 

Pimento, parliamentary resolution on 
duty on, 2. 385, 386. 

Pitt, William, to Rhode Island, 1757, 
preparation for campaign of 1757, 2. 
246; for 1758, 265, 270; 1758, for 
1759, 280; 1760, for 1760, 299. 
Secretary of State, 2. 244, 394. 

Plymouth Colony, legality of its pa- 
tent, I. 292. 

Polish Succession, England's interest 
in War of, i. 47, 56, 57, 62, 68, 79. 

Pontiac's War, troops for, 2. 358. 

Poor, Thomas, plan for winter attack 
on Ticonderoga, 2. 184, 185. 



Popples, Sec, i. 70. 

Porto-Bello, ransomed, i. 140. 

Post-office, proposed reform, 2. 435. 

Potash, effort to encourage colonial 
manufacture, 2. 131, 135, 142, 230; 
monopoly in Rhode Island, 142 n. 

Potter, Gideon, killed, 2. 227. 

Potter, Thomas, sheriff, order from 
Gov. R. Ward, 1741, Thornton af- 
fair, I. 194. 

Power, Capt., 2. 25. 

Pownall, John, secretary to the Lords 
of Trade, to Gov. Hopkins, 1757, 
parliamentary act on provisions, 2. 
247; to Rhode Island, 1772, king's 
speech, 429. 

Pownall, Gov. Thomas, to Pepperell, 
1757, military order, 2. 257. 

Prague, battle, 2. 254; captured, 276; 
evacuated, 295. 

Pratt, Charles, chief justice of Com- 
mon Pleas, 2. 323. 

Prentis, John, commander of Con- 
necticut's sloop, I. 269, 273. 

Prince, Capt., i. 348, 2. 47. 

Prisoners of war, disposition of Span- 
ish, I. 222 ; measures to redeem, 2. 

53-55- 

Privateers, Rhode Island, in King 
George's War, i. xxvii, xxix, 298, 
430 ; in French and Indian War, 
xxxvii, 2. 264 ; warrant for, against 
Spain, I. 106-108 ; encouragement, 
150; bonds, 244; depredations on 
neutrals, 226, 230, 250 ; French, off 
coast of New England, 271-274 ; 
English, against Spain, 2. 322. 

Privy Council, order, 1746, Louisbourg 
expedition reimbursement to Rhode 
Island, 2. 37 ; from the Lords of 
Trade, 1738, boundary commission- 
ers, I. 102 ; from the Duke of Mon- 
tagu, 1744, cannon for Rhode Island, 
282 ; from Partridge, 1745, boundary, 
317 ; 1746, Louisbourg expedition 
reimbursement, 412 ; 1757, cannon, 
262. See also Lords Committee, 
Sharpe (W.). 

Prizes and prize money. Commission 
to distribute, to Rhode Island, 1744, 
desiring data, i. 256. 

For privateers, i. 150; distribu- 
tion, 170, 253, 256-258; at Louis- 
bourg, 361-363, 414 ; in War of the 
Austrian Succession, 371. 

Providence, R. I., rise, i. xxxviii. 

Provisions, act of Parliament on co- 



Index 



489 



lonial exportation, 2. 245, 248 ; price 
of wheat in England, 254. 

Provost, William, boundary commis- 
sioner, I. 102. 

Prussia. See Austrian Succession, 
Seven Years. 

Quartering Act, 2. 362, 363, 365 ; co- 
ercion on New York Assembly, 395. 

Ramesey, French commander, cap- 
tures Massachusetts troops in Nova 
Scotia, 2. 41. 

Ramsden, Thomas, from Partridge, 
1745, Rhode Island and the Louis- 
bourg expedition, i. 372. 

Read, Capt., 2. 426. 

Reading, John, boundary commis- 
sioner, I. 102. 

Reed, William, deputy, 2. 359. 

Reeder, William, deserter, 2. 221. 

Regency in 1745, i. 332; bill, 2. 364. 

Reimbursement, Louisbourg exj^edi- 
tion : Rhode Island desires to share 
in, 1. 369, 409 ; Massachusetts peti- 
tions, 409-41 1 ; agents' power to re- 
ceive, 410, 2. 25, 28, 66, 71, 78, 86, 
87 ; Rhode Island accounts, i. 410, 
2. 39; Massachusetts demand, i. 
411; Rhode Island petition, 411- 
415; Rhode Island demand, 415; 
favorable report by Committee of 
the Council, 432-434 ; accounts be- 
fore Lords of Trade, 2. 36-38, 40 ; 
report of Lords of Trade on Rhode 
Island accounts, 47-50 ; and paper 
money, 61, 70, 78, 80-85, ^8' 94! 
amount voted by Parliament to 
Rhode Island, 63 ; demand on agents 
for security, 82, 85 ; Rhode Island 
petition for payment into Bank of 
England, 87-90 ; payment to Rhode 
Island, 103. 

Canadian expedition : presenta- 
tion of Rhode Island bills, 2. 38-40, 
62, 64, 67, 68 ; Clinton's bill, 39-41 ; 
Shirley's criticism of Rhode Island 
accounts, 57-59, 88, 92 ; accounts 
from other colonies, 68, 70, 71 ; ac- 
ceptance of Rhode Island bills con- 
ditionally, 69; Rhode Island peti- 
tion for payment, 72-77 ; part 
payment to Rhode Island, 77 ; re- 
duction in bill of Rhode Island and 
other colonies, 97-99, 103 ; Rhode 
Island petition against reduction, 
104-115; discharge, 115. 



Of 1755: king disposed to grant, 
2. 175-177 ; Parliament grants, 186; 
apportionment and warrant for, 186, 
200; shipment to the colonies, 206- 
208, 213, 223; expected in Rhode 
Island, 216; insurance, 224 ; arrange- 
ment for reception by Massachu- 
setts, 234 ; reception by Rhode Is- 
land, 236. 

Of 1756: Connecticut solicits, 2. 
271, 272 ; not granted to Rhode Is- 
land, 297 ; nor to New York and 
New Hampshire, 304 ; efforts of 
Rhode Island to secure, 304-306, 
309, 310, 313-317, 321, 3-3' 334. 347, 
348, 366, 374, 384. 392, 401, 413. 422, 
425-429, 431 ; and the Stamp Act 
riot in Rhode Island, 387, 393, 394, 
396, 415, 424, 42S. 

Of 1758: royal recommendation 
promised, 2. 26S ; solicited, 285 ; 
royal recommendation, 289 ; amount 
voted by Parliament, 290 ; limited to 
expenses of that year, 293 ; share 
of Rhode Island, 297 ; payment by 
exchequer loan, 303, 304. 

Of 1759: royal recommendation 
promised, 2. 283 ; Rhode Island ac- 
count, 304, 306 ; royal recommenda- 
tion, 307 ; amount voted by Parlia- 
ment, 308; basis of apportionment, 
3'8, 319- 

Of 1760: royal recommendation 
promised, 2. 301 ; amount voted by 
Parliament, 313; basis of appor- 
tionment, 319, 331, 343, 346, 351 ; 
Rhode Island share, 332 ; overplus 
due Rhode Island from Penn- 
sylvania and Connecticut, 347, 353, 

355. 359- 

Of 1761 and after : voted, 2, 322, 
342; delay in distribution, 347, 350, 
352 ; share of Rhode Island, 354, 
356- 

Remick, Capt., i. 142. 

Representation and taxation, i. 34. 

Revolution, preparation, 2. 439, 441— 
443 ; and Canada, 444. 

Rhode Island, to George III., 1766, 
loyal address, 2. 388 ; to Lords 
Committee, 1740, boundary, i. 131 ; 
to Lords of Trade, 1735, colonial 
trade laws, 73 ; to Sir C. Wager, 
1735, cannon, 76; General Assem- 
bly to Partridge, 1744, 1749, paper 
money, accounts, 284, 290, 297, 2. 
94; House of Deputies to Massachu- 



490 



Index 



setts House, 1768, colonial rights, 
410 ; to Virginia House, colonial 
rights, 407 ; House of Magistrates to 
Deputies, 1741, Thornton affair, i. 
196. 

From Anonymous, 1739, warning 
against paper money, i. 120; from 
Col. Blakeney, 1740, Cartagena ex- 
pedition, 164, 171 ; from the Com- 
missioners of Customs, 1742, ap- 
pointment of a surveyor-general, 
216 ; Commissioners for Distribut- 
ing Prizes, 1744, asking data, 256; 
from J. Courand, 1740, foreign coins, 
176 ; from Dartmouth, 1773, salute 
to the flag, 2. 430 ; reimbursement of 
1756, 431 ; from George II., 1739, 
warrant for privateers, 1. 106; 1740, 
Cartagena expedition, 146 ; from 
T. Hill, 1751, acts of Parliament, 
2. 134; from Hillsborough, 1768, 
escaped murderer, 402 ; from Gov. 
Jencks, 1732, valedictory, i. 29; 
from W. Knox, 1774, acts of Parlia- 
ment, 2. 436 ; from the Lords of the 
Admiralty, 1740, letters of marque, 
I. 159; from the Lords Justices, 

1740. foreign coins, 176; from the 
Lords of Trade, 1735, colonial laws 
on trade, 72 ; 1739, transmitting 
House of Lords addresses, iii ; 

1741, acts of Parliament on provi- 
sions, 190; 1750, boundaries, 2. loi ; 
1765, desiring information, 371 ; 
from Loudoun, 1756, late campaign, 
238 ; from Newcastle, 1739, war with 
Spain, I. 109, 121 ; 1740, Cartagena 
expedition, 127, 143, 187; encour- 
agement of privateers, 149; 1743, 
depredations on neutral trade, 225 ; 
1744, prize money, 253 ; from W. 
Pitt, 1757, 1758, 1760, preparation 
for campaigns, 2. 246, 265, 270, 2S0, 
299; from J. Pownall, 1772, king's 
speech, 429; from Shelburne, 1767, 
commissioners of customs for 
America, 398 ; from Sherwood, 
1759, colonial agency, 287 ; 1765, 
trade. Quartering Act, 361, 363; 
from Sherwood's executors, 1773, 
account, 431 ; from A. Stone, 1740, 
prize money, i. 170; exportation of 
provisions, 184; 1743, depredations 
on neutral trade, 230 ; 1743, impress- 
ment, 237 ; General Assembly, 1755, 
1764, sununons, 2. 162, 357, from 
J. Arnold, 1770, resignation, 424; 



from Gov. Hopkins, 1755, Brad- 
dock's defeat, 157; 1756, paper 
money, 234; from T. Shattock, 
1767, deeds to Indian lands, 398; 
from D. Updike, 1741, bill, i. 206; 
from Gov. W. Wanton, 1733, elec- 
tion frauds, 37 ; from S. Ward, 
1757, 1761, 1762, Ward-Hopkins 
feud, 2. 250, 311, 323; Governor 
from Gov. Belcher, 1734, boundary 
violence, i. 48 ; from T. Corbett, 
1743, impressment, 235; from Mas- 
sachusetts General Court, 1734, 
boundary violence, 57 ; from Par- 
tridge, 1747, reimbursement, war 
news, 2. 38, 47; 1750, reimburse- 
ment, acts of Parliament, 97, 100 ; 
H(juse of Deputies from Connecti- 
cut House, 1775, preparation for 
campaign of 1775, 441 ; from Gov. 
Greene, 1745, Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, I. 306; 1750, paper money, 2. 
116; from Gov. Hopkins, 1756, 
levies, 216; 1758, 1759, defence, 
273, 288 ; from Maryland House, 
1770, colonial rights, 416; from 
New York House, 1775, colonial 
grievances, 441 ; from Gov. W. 
Wanton, 1733, private bills of 
credit, i. 33 ; from Gov. R. Ward, 
1742, emolument, 217. See also 
Committee of War, and governors, 
agents, and other officers by name. 
Factors in development, i. xxi ; 
question of governor's veto, xxiv, 
24, 27, 31, 47 ; settlement, i ; ob- 
jections to union with Connecticut 
or New Hampshire, 8, ir-14 ; under 
Andros, 9 ; election frauds, 37 ; map, 
70; McSparran affair, 125; Mason 
affair, 125 ; loyalty, 183, 364, 369, 373, 
2. 388-390,409; Thornton affair, i. 
191-197 ; and the common cause, 
259, 262, 320, 334, 367, 375, 383, 
406 ; accused of harboring naval 
deserters, 334, 360 ; Lambertie af- 
fair, 2. 160, 161, 163-173, 188; sit- 
uation and strategic importance, 
212, 262, 263 ; financial distress, 
327. 335. 336. 344 ; and the Stamp 
Act, 361, 372, 387, 391-393, 396, 
415; letter to Bane, 383; contro- 
versy over deed to Indian lands, 
398-400 ; attitude on colonial rights, 
408-412. See also Boundary, Char- 
ter, Defence, Paper money. Pri- 
vateers, Reimbursement, Sugar Bill, 



Index 



491 



Trade, Vice-Admiralty, Ward-Hop- 
kins, and expeditions and wars by 
name. 

Rice, John, Jr., to Gov. R. Ward, 
1 74 1, Thornton affair, i. 192. 

Richards, Capt., 2. 30, 82. 

Richards, John, deposition, i. 271. 

Richardson, Thomas, to Treasurer 
Clarke, 1764, money from Pennsyl- 
vania, 2. 359. 

Richardson, William, 2. 360. 

Riots, boundary, i. 4S-53, 57-61, 66, 
-^3' 323) 3-5 ; protection to customs 
officers, 2. 373 ; Stamp Act, and re- 
imbursement money, 3S7, 393, 394, 
396,415,424,428. 

Robertson, Col. James, to Amherst, 
1762, Rhode Island billeting rolls, 

2. 33S- 

Robins, John, fined, i. 60. 

Robinson, Mr., case against Gov. Law, 
I. 3S2. 

Robinson, John, collector of customs, 
to Gov. S. Ward, 1766, method of 
Vice-Admiralty Court, 2. 376, 394 ; 
from Gov. S. Ward, 1765, personal 
protection, 372. 

Collector at Newport, 2. 355 ; 
complaint in England, 397, 401. 

Robinson, Matthew, to Gov. Hop- 
kins, 176S, deed to Indian lands, 2. 
400. 

Robinson, Robert, recommended for 
customs appointment, i. 41 ; con- 
troversy over appointment, 42, 43, 
46, 56. 

Robinson, Sir Thomas, Secretary of 
State, 2. 147, 156, and the Lamber- 
tie affair, 160, 164, 168, 171 ; re- 
signs, 174. 

Rockingham, ]\Iarquis of, ministry, 2. 

367- , . 

Rodinguez, Antony, brmgs news of 

AnvUle's fleet, 2. 10. 
Rodman, Capt., 2. 142, 164, 273. 
Rodney, Admiral, expedition against 

Havre de Grace, 2. 293. 
Rogers, Hugh, 2. 403. 
Rogers, Robert, scout, 1755, report 

on scout on Ticonderoga, 2. 177. 
Scouts on Crown Point, 2. 193, 

232; commended, 194; scout on 

Ticonderoga, 219. 
Rolfe, Benjamin, i. 53. 
Rose, Col. Samuel, to Gov. S. Ward, 

1762, desertions and recruiting, 2. 

329; from Gov. S. Ward, 1762, 



instructions, 325 ; Rhode Island 
troops, 337. 

Officer in French and Indian 
War, 2. 328, 329. 

Rouse, Capt. John, i. 222, 370; pri- 
vateer, 230, 250 ; in Louisbourg ex- 
pedition, 330, 341. 

Rovley, Admiral, i. 406. 

Rugles, Col., in the French and Indian 
War, 2. 228. 

Rushout, Sir Jonathan, hears appeal 
on boundary decision, i. 291. 

Russell, C hambers, j udge of Admiral ty, 
2. 276. 

Russell, Giles, captain in the French 
and Indian War, 2. 32S. 

Ryder, Sir Dudley, attorney-general, 
1748, report on Louisbourg expedi- 
tion reimbursement, 2. 84. 

Counsel against the Sugar Bill, 

1. 26; on impressment in America, 
236. 

Rymes, Capt., i. 152. 

Sackville, Lord George, court-martial, 

2. 306. 

St. Clair, Lieut. -Gen., to command 
Canadian expedition of 1746, 2. 3; 
not sent to America, 29. 

St. Jolui, schooner, affair, 2. 364, 366. 

St. John's, Prince Edward Island, ex- 
pedition against, i. 356. 

St. Peter's, Prince Edward Island, de- 
stroyed, I. 339. 

Sallee, threatened war with England, 
2. 154. 

Salusbury, Sir Thomas, judge of Admi- 
ralty, 2. 275. 

Sandford, Thomas, and Jencks's veto, 

1. 21, 24. 

Sandwich, Earl of, in the ministry, 

2. loi, 131, 352. 

Sandys, Samuel (Lord Sandys), from 

Partridge, 1740, paper money, 1. 155- 

Attitude on paper money, i. 153; 

attitude on boundary controversy, 

291,310,317. 

Saratoga, N. Y., French and Indians 
attack, I, 398 ; troops to rendezvous 
at, 2. 9. 

Saunders, Capt., in Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, I. 336, 340._ 

Saunders, Hezekiah, lieutenant in 
French and Indian War, 2. 32S. 

Savers, Samuel, prisoner of war, 2. 54. 

Scias, John, counterfeiter, i. 270. 

Scot, Silvanus, i. 51, 52. 



492 



Index 



Scotland, Jacobite rebellion, i. 371, 

390. 399. 401, 403, 433- 

Scott, Capt., I. 34. 

Scott, E., 2. 64. 

Scott, Edward, i. 270. 

Sea water, conversion to fresh, 2. 146. 

Seabrook, Capt., i. i3i. 

Secretary of War, 1761, report on re- 
imbursement of 1756, 2. 313. 

Sessions, Darius, 2, 100. 

Seven Years' War, pending, 2. 146,153- 
155, 157, 161, 171, 172, 187, 199, 213; 
pre-declaration naval captures, 161, 
171, 172, 187, 199; declaration, 214; 
French invasion of England feared, 
213, 224; progress, 224-226, 254, 
259, 260, 274, 279, 298, 310; naval 
operations, 225, 260, 274, 279, 293, 
307 ; discouragement in England, 
244; peace rumors, 332; peace, 
342. See also French and Indian 
War. 

Sharpe, Horatio, governor of Mary- 
land, from Gov. Greene, 1754, 
French encroachments, 2. 144. 

Sharpe, Jonathan, West Indian agent, 
to Partridge, 1751, Sugar Bill, 2. 

133- 

Sharpe, William, clerk of the Privy 
Council, to Partridge, 1746, reim- 
bursement, I. 434 ; from Partridge, 
1745, boundary, Rhode Island and 
Louisbourg expedition, 359; 1746, 
plan of fort, Canadian expedition, 2. 
26. 

Shattock, Tobias, to the General As- 
sembly, 1767, deed to Indian lands, 

1. 398. 

Shawnee Indians, treaty, 2. 228. 
Shelburne, Earl of, to Rhode Island, 

1767, commissioners of customs for 

America, 2. 398. 
Sheldon, Capt. Joseph, 2. 138, 218. 
Sherwood, Ann, 2. 433. 
Sherwood, John, to Gov. Jos. Wanton, 

1774, threat against the charter, 2. 

438. 
Sherwood, Joseph, Rhode Island 
agent, to M. Brown, 1769, account, 

2. 414; 1770, reimbursement of 1756, 
423, 425, 426; to Gov. Hopkins, 1759, 
Vice-Admiralty Court, reimburse- 
ment, 2. 289, 292, 296; 1760, reim- 
bursement, public affairs, 303, 305, 
309; 1761, reimbursement, 313, 316, 
318 ; 1762, protested bills, reimburse- 
ment, 322; 1763, reimbursement, 347, 



350, 351 ; reimbursement, colonial 
trade, 354, 356; 1765, Stamp Act 
petitions, 360; Quartering Act, .S7. 
John affair, colonial trade, 363; 1767, 
Quartering Act, new taxes, reim- 
bursement and riot, 395,396; 176S, 
reimbursement, account, 401 ; to 
Gov. Lyndon, 1769, reimbursement, 
413; to Rhode Island, 1759, succes- 
sion to the agency, 287 ; 1765, colo- 
nial trade. Quartering Act, 361 ; to 
Secretary of War, 1 761, observations 
on reimbursement report, 315; to 
Gov. Jos. Wanton, 1770, reimburse- 
ment, 415; to Gov. S.Ward, 1762, 
reimbursement, 331 ; 1763, reim- 
bursement, 342, 346; 1765, Rocking- 
ham's ministry, 367 ; 1766, reim- 
bursement. Stamp Act, 381 ; colonial 
trade resolution in Commons, reim- 
bursement and riot, 384, 393. 

From M. Brown, 1770, non-impor- 
tation, 2. 420 ; dissatisfaction with 
conduct of agency, 421 ; from Rhode 
Island, 1759, letter of agency, 294; 
from Gov. S. Ward, 1762, financial 
distress, 3^4; 1763, reimbursement. 
Temple affair, 343 ; 1765, Quartering 
Act, St. John affair, colonial trade, 
reimbursement, 365; 1766, Stamp 
Act, reimbursement, 391. 

As agent, i. xv, xx ; recommended 
for the agency, 2. 286 ; account, 335, 
356,401, 413-415' 432-434; inade- 
quate salary, 414, 421,424; design 
to displace, 422, 425, 426; death, 

431- 
Shirley, William, governor of Massa- 
chusetts, 1747, proclamation on 
Canadian expedition, 2. 55; to Capt. 
Bradbury, 1745, Penobscot Indians, 
I. 376; to Dep.-Gov. Gardner, 1755, 
commending Rhode Island, 2. 147; 
to Gov. Greene, 1744, French priva- 
teers, I. 271 ; Annapolis reinforce- 
ment, 263 ; 1745, Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, 29S, 303, 320 ; 1746, Canadian 
expedition, 420, 421, 424, 428, 2. 3; 
intercolonial commission, i. 417 ; 
Anville's fleet, 2. 12, 15; defence of 
Nova Scotia, 30; 1747, disaster to 
Rhode Island troops, 34 ; 1755, war 
preparations, 149; to Gov. Hopkins, 
1756, winter attack on Ticonderoga, 
181 ; preparation for the campaign, 
188, 195, 201 ; Webb's retreat, reim- 
bursement money, 233 ; to Admiral 



Index 



493 



Lestock, 1746, warning of Anville's 
fleet, 16; to Penobscot Indians, 1745, 
warning, i. 352 ; to Lieut. -Gov. 
Piiips, expected French attack on 
Louisbourg, 385 ; to Gov. G. Wan- 
ton, Louisbourg expedition, 333, 346, 
348; 1747, Iroquois Indians, 2. 51; 
accounts of Canadian expedition, 56 ; 
1748, project to call in paper money, 
61 ; to Gov, R. Ward, 1742, Spanish 
prisoners, i. 222. 

From Capt. Bradbury, 1745, Pe- 
nobscot Indians, i. 377 ; from Gov. 
Greene, Louisbourg expedition, 312 ; 
1747, troops for Nova Scotia, 2. 46; 
from Gov. Mascarene, 1744, Anna- 
polis reinforcement, i. 215; from 
Pepperell, 1745, progress of Louis- 
bourg siege, 335 ; from Admiral 
Townsend and Gov. Knowles, 1746, 
Anville's fleet, 2. 10; from Gov. G. 
Wanton, 1747, Iroquois Indians, 50; 
prisoners of war, 54; from Dep.- 
Gov. Whipple, 1746, Crown Point 
expedition, 8 ; Annapolis reinforce- 
ment, 2,2,. 

Criticised by Loudoun, 2. 240. 

Shirriff, William, boundary commis- 
sioner, I. 102. 

Shores, Capt., i. 410, 2. i. 

Silk, act to encourage production of 
raw, 2. loi. 

Simon, Louis, 2. 13. 

Six Nations. See Iroquois. 

Skene, William, boundary commis- 
sioner, I. 102. 

Slack, Benjamin, fined, i. 60. 

Slavery, interference of French priva- 
teers with the slave-trade, i. xxxvii ; 
duty on slaves, 64, 73 ; return of 
enslaved Spanish negroes, 425-428; 
case of kidnapping free Africans, 2. 
36S-371. 

Smethurst, Capt., in Louisbourg expe- 
dition, I. 339, 341. 

Smith, Capt., 2. 206. 

Smith, James, surgeon, certificate of 
death, 2. 405. 

Smith, William, ensign in Cartagena 
expedition, i. 200; sent home to re- 
cruit, 209 ; in Louisbourg expedition, 
362, 384. 

Snelling, Capt., i. 162. 

Solicitor-General, 174S, report on 
Louisbourg expedition reimburse- 
ment, 2. 84. 

Soubise, Marshal, 2. 279. 



South Carolina, troops in 1761, 2. 

349- 

Spain, threatened war with England, 
1738, over Assiento troubles, i. 88; 
war pending, 95, loi, 113, 114, 116- 
119; warrant for reprisals against, 
106-108; violated convention, 109; 
French neutrality, 119, 139, 154, 162 ; 
war declared, 121 ; squadrons for 
the West Indies, 127, 1S2, 185 ; 
prize money, 170, 253, 256-258; dis- 
position of Spanish prisoners, 222 ; 
neutrality in Seven Years' War, 2. 
254, 274 ; privateers against, 322. 
See also Cartagena. 

Sparling, Mr., 2. 371. 

Spears, Jonathan, lieutenant in French 
and Indian War, 2. 328. 

Spotswood, Alexander, to Gov. J. 
Wanton, 1740, Cartagena expedi- 
tion, I. 140, 150. 

To command provincial troops, i. 
128, 145. 

Sprague, Mr., i. 74. 

Springfield, Mass., magazine, 2. 258. 

Stamford, Capt., wounded in Louis- 
bourg expedition, i. 339. 

Stamp Act, petitions against, rejected, 
2. 360 ; passage foreshadowed, 360 ; 
action of merchants of London, 361, 
363, 375, 391 ; pamphlet against, in 
England, 362 ; addresses of Con- 
gress in England, 375, 383; Rhode 
Island riots and reimbursement of 

1756,387. 393, 394. 396, 415. 424. 
428 ; Rhode Island address to the 
King after the repeal, 388-392 ; re- 
ception of repeal, 392 ; Virguiia re- 
solves, 407. 

Stanley, Edward, to T. Bradshaw, 
1768, escaped murderer, 2. 403, 406. 

Stanley, J., commissioner of customs, 
I. 32. 

Staples, Samuel, assault on a Massa- 
chusetts sheriff, i. 49-52, 59. 

Stephens, Thomas, to Gov. Hopkins, 
1756, potash, 2. 230. 

Manufacturer of potash, sent to 
the colonies, 2. 142, 143. 

Stevens, Mr., of Marblehead, 2. 11. 

Stevens, Simeon, ensign in French and 
Indian War, 2. 329. 

Stoddard, Capt. John, 2. 50, 51. 

Stone, Andrew, secretary to the Lords 
Justices, to Rhode Island, 1740, 
prize money, i. 170; exportation of 
provisions, 184; 1743, depredations 



494 



Index 



on neutral trade, 230 ; impressment, 
237; from J. West, 1748, Rhode 
Island's Canadian expedition bill, 
2. 67. 

Strahan, Will, to T. Corbett, 1744, 
naval officer, i. 243. 

Strange, Sir John, counsel for colo- 
nies, I. 26 ; solicitor-general, on im- 
pressment in America, 236. 

Sugar Bill, colonial opposition to its 
enactment, i. 19, 23, 25-27, 31, 34, 
126, 2. 123, 125 ; enforcement, i. 39- 
46; question of reenactment, 87, 89, 
116, 2. 131-134, 136-139. 144. 146, 
174, 274; cost of opposition, 132, 
136 ; Commons resolution on, in 
1766, 385. 

Surveyor-general, appointment of Pea- 
grum, I. 32 ; power over customs ap- 
pointments, 42-46, 53, 96 ; appoint- 
ment of Lechmere, 216. 

Swartwoudt, Philip, attacked by In- 
dians, 2. 194. 

Sweetland, John, fined, i. 60. 

Talcott, Joseph, governor of Connect- 
icut, from Gov. J. Wanton, 1739, 
Mason affair, Sugar Bill, i. 124. 

Taxation, and representation, i. 34 ; 
excise in England, 2. 342 ; rumor of 
new, on the colonies, 395 ; Town- 
shend Acts, 397 ; colonial rights, 
417. See also Stamp Act. 

Tea tax, 2. 397. 

Teff, Jonathan, ensign in French and 
Indian War, 2. 328. 

Temple, Lord, Lord of the Admiralty, 
2. 244. 

Temple, John, surveyor-general, de- 
mand on Rhode Island, 2. 344. 

Tew, Edward, prisoner of war, 2. 54. 

Tew, Thomas, captain in French and 
Indian War, 2. 329. 

Thomas, Capt. Charles, to Gov. Fau- 
quier, 1765, kidnapping, 2. 369. 
Charged with kidnapping, 2. 368- 

371- 

Thomas, George, governor of Penn- 
sylvania, from Gov. Greene, 1746, 
enslaved Spanish negroes, i. 427. 

Thomlinson, Capt., agent for New 
Hampshire, insufficient power, 2. 87. 

Thomlinson, John, 2. 201. 

Thompson, Benjamin, i. 52. 

Thornton, Richard, affair of the court 
records, i. 191-197 ; objections to, 
as a deputy, 196. 



Thornton, Samuel, lieutenant in 
French and Indian War, 2. 329. 

Thurot, Fran5ois, descent on Irish 
coast, 2. 307, 

Ticonderoga, N. Y., scout on, 1755, 2. 
177-179; French force, 1755, 178, 
180 ; plan for winter attack on, 181- 
185 ; Abercrombie's defeat, 279. 

Tilver, Samuel, i. 55. 

Tingley, Timothy, i. 60. 

Torrey, Mr., i. 85. 

Toulon, naval battle, 1744, i. 248, 249; 
inquiry, 311, 332, 401. 

Tournay, besieged, i. 332 ; captured, 

345- 

Townley, Capt., i. 420. 

Townsend, Admiral Isaac, to Shirley 
and Warren, 1746, Anville's fleet, 2. 
ic. 

Victory in the West Indies, i. 
400. 

Townsend, Thomas, in Rockingham's 
ministry, 2. 367. 

Townshend, Charles, Lord of Trade, 
2. 102. 

Townshend Acts passed, 2. 397. 

Trade, slave trade, i. xxxvii, 64, 73, 2. 
36S-371 ; Rhode Island measures 
for security of, i, 7 ; early parliamen- 
tary measures against colonial, 55, 
62, 67, 70, loi ; enforcement of laws, 
32, 216; control over customs ap- 
pointments in Rhode Island, 42-46, 
53, 96; royal inquiry concerning co- 
lonial customs law, 72 ; Rhode Is- 
land's answer, 73 ; Assiento trou- 
ble, 88, 106, 109 ; and paper money, 
120, 156, 2. 118, 119; parliamentary 
act to encourage, 1740, i. 149; illicit 
West Indian, 163, 2. 352 ; exporta- 
tion of provisions forbidden, i. 1S4, 
185, 190, 2. 245, 248 ; balance of co- 
lonial, I. 156; controversy over ap- 
pointment of naval officers for Rhode 
Island, 226-230, 233, 242-246, 252, 
255, 311, 344, 2. 30 ; French colonial, 
and the War of the Austrian Suc- 
cession, I. 402 ; convoy from Louis- 
bourg, 2. 3; illicit, with the French, 
320 ; controversy in Rhode Island 
with Surveyor-General Temple, 344 ; 
residence of collector in Rhode Is- 
land, 355 ; Rhode Island Assembly 
convened to protest against further 
burdens, 357 ; interest of London 
merchants in alleviating burdens on 
colonial, 361 ; St. John smuggling 



Index 



495 



riot in Rhode Island, 364,366; par- 
liament measures to promote colo- 
nial, 1765, 1766, 364, 3S4-3S7 ; con- 
ditions in Rhode Island in 1765, 
272 ; complaint of customs officers 
against method of Rhode Island 
Vice-Admiralty Court in smuggling 
cases, 373, 376-3S1,. 394, 397. 40i ; 
rumors of new duties on colonial, 
395 ; Townshend Acts, 397 ; com- 
missioners of customs for Amer- 
ica, 397, 398 ; smuggling in Eng- 
land, 403 ; non-importation agree- 
ment, 420, 424. See also Lords of 
Trade, Sugar Bill. 

Transportation in French and Indian 
War, 2. 152, 153, 191, 195, 202, 222, 
267, 282, 301. 

Treaty of Marine and neutral trade, 
I. 225, 232. 

Treneau, David, 2. 403. 

Treneau, Richard, 2. 403. 

Tresothick, Barlow, London mer- 
chant, 2. 391. 

Trial in the colonies, right of, 2. 417. 

Tyng, Capt. Edward, i. 265 ; captures 
French privateer, 269 ; in Louis- 
bourg expedition, 339, 355, 

Union, Albany Plan in England, 2. 
199, 213; cooperative assertion of 
colonial rights, 408, 411. See also 
Common cause. 

Updike, Daniel, attorney-general, to 
the General Assembly, 1741, bill for 
services before boundary commis- 
sion, I. 206. 

Vanhorn, Abraham, boundary com- 
missioner, I. 102. 

Vanhorn, Cornelius, boundary com- 
missioner, I. 102. 

Vaudreuil, Marquis de, 2. 165. 

Vernon, Admiral Edward, to Gov. R. 
Ward, 1740, exportation of provi- 
sions, I. 185. 

Sent to West Indies, i. 128; ran- 
soms Porto Bello, 140 ; in the 
Channel, 400. 

Vernon, Samuel, I. 20. 

Vernon, Thomas, candidate for Vice- 
Admiralty office, 2. 291. 

Veto, question of, in Rhode Island, i. 
xxiv, 24, 27, 31, 47 ; question of 
royal, in charter colonies, 154, 157. 

Vice-Admiralty, Court of, in Rhode Is- 
land, appointment of judge, i. 224, 2. 



273-276, 278; fees, I. 244; inde- 
pendent of colonial authority, 251 ; 
question of officers for, 2. 289, 291- 
293, 304, 306; controversy with cus- 
toms officers, 376-381, 394, 397, 
401. See also Lords of the Admi- 
ralty. 

Vigilant, captured French man-of- 
war, manning of, i. 346-349, 351, 
368, 379, 413, 431. 

Virginia, House of Burgesses from 
Rhode Island House, 1768, colonial 
rights, 2. 407. See also Fauquier, 
Botetourt. 

Ordered to protect Ohio region, 
2. 144; troops voted in 1759, 322; 
troops in 1761,349; Stamp Act pe- 
tition rejected, 360; resolves on 
Stamp Act, 407; resolves of 1769, 
416. 

Wager, Sir Charles, from Rhode Is- 
land, 1735, assistance in obtaining 
cannon, i. 77. 

Retires from the Admiralty, i. 
211 ; death, 228. 

Wainscott, brigantine, case, 2. 376-379. 

Wall, Daniel, captain in French and 
Indian War, 2. 328. 

Wallis, William, 2. 218, 219. 

Walpole, Sir Robert, and the Sugar 
Bill, I. 27 ; overthrow of his min- 
istry, 210, 211. 

Walton, Mr., i. 39. 

Wanton, Benjamin, 1. 162, 181 ; death, 
186. 

Wanton, Gideon, governor of Rhode 
Island, to Gov. Clinton, 1746, inter- 
colonial commission, i. 406; to Par- 
tridge, 1745, boundary, remittance, 
plan of fort, superscription of 
letters, 350 ; Rhode Island and the 
Louisbourg expedition, 363; to Gov. 
Shirley, 1747, Iroquois Indians, 2. 
50; prisoners of war, 54. 

From Gov. Clinton, 1746, inter- 
colonial commission, i. 404, 416 ; 
from Capt. Fones, 1745, Louisbourg 
expedition, 349, 355, 378, 38 1 ; from 
Col. Kinnicutt, 1748, pay of Cana- 
dian expedition levies, 2. 60; from 
Gov. Law, 1745, garrison at Louis- 
bourg, law-suit, I. 381 ; 1746, joint 
cruise of sloops, 408; from Capt. 
Mumford, 1745, Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, French prize, 361 ; from Par- 
tridge, 1745, greeting, boundary, 



496 



Index 



naval officer, paper money, war 
news, I. 342 ; Louisbourg expedi- 
tion, 353 ; Rhode Island and Louis- 
bourg expedition, fidelity to colony's 
interests, 357, 370, 3S0; boundary, 
Hopkins affair, war news, paper 
money, 389, 399; 1746, reimburse- 
ment, boundary, 40S ; 1748, reim- 
bursement, 2. 62 ; from Pepperell, 
1745, recruits for Louisbourg, i. 384 ; 
from Lieut.-Gov. Phips, Indian war, 
374» 3^3. 395 > recruits for Louis- 
bourg, 385 ; from Gov. Shirley, 
1745, Louisbourg expedition, 333, 
346, 348; 1747, Iroquois Indians, 2. 
51; accounts of Canadian expedi- 
tion, 56; 1748, project to call in 
paper money, 61 ; from Admiral 
Warren, 1745, French prize, i. 362; 
recruits for Louisbourg, 387 ; from 
Sec. Willard, 1747, prisoners of war, 

2- 53- 

As governor, i. xxviii ; suggested 
for governor, 2. 324 ; deputy, 359. 

"Wanton, J. G., 2. 419. 

Wanton, John, governor of Rhode Is- 
land, to Gov. Belcher, 1739, counter- 
feit paper money, Sugar Bill, i. 122; 
to Partridge, 1735, boundary, can- 
non, royal veto, 74; 1736, bound- 
ary, 80 ; 1739, boundary. Sugar Bill, 
paper money, 123; to Gov. Tal- 
cott, 1739, Mason affair. Sugar Bill, 
124. 

From Gov. Belcher, 1738, bound- 
ary, I. 96; 1740, illicit trade, 163; 
from W. Jencks, 1734, boundary, 
54; from Col. Gooch, 1740, Carta- 
gena expedition, 165; from Par- 
tridge, 1732, Jencks's veto, i. 20; 
Sugar Bill, Jencks's veto, 25; 1734, 
boundary, 61 ; 1735, bill against 
manufactures, 67 ; 1736, boundary, 
78, 80; 1737, boundary. Iron Bill, 
82; Solicitor Paris, 84; 1738, bound- 
ary, Sugar Bill, Iron Bill, war ru- 
mors, 86; Iron Bill, 90; boundary, 
94) 95> 97 ! I739> boundary, 100, 
103; Iron Bill, 105; Paris's bill, 
106; Spanish crisis, 113; boundary. 
Sugar 13111, paper money, war news, 
115, 117, 118, 121 ; 1740, boundary, 
Sugar Bill, paper money, 125, 138, 
142, 147, 148, 161, 178. 

Career, i. xxv-xxviii ; death, 179; 
Partridge on, 180. 
Wanton, John, deputy, 2. 359. 



Wanton, Joseph, governor of Rhode 
Island, from John Sherwood, 1774, 
threat against the charter, 2. 438 ; 
from Joseph Sherwood, 1770, reim- 
bursement, 415. 

As governor, i. xxxii-xxxiv ; cap- 
tured on a slaver, xxxvii ; collector 
at Newport, 96. 

Wanton, Joseph, Jr., to M. Brown, 
1770, Ward-Hopkins feud, 2. 418. 

Wanton, William, governor of Rhode 
Island, to the General Assembly, 
1733, election reform, i. 37 ; to the 
House of Deputies, private bills of 
credit, t,t,; to Sec. Willard, issue of 
paper money, 41. 

From Partridge, 1732, Jencks's 
veto, I. 30; 1733, Sugar Bill, 34; ac- 
count, 35 ; 1734, Jencks's veto. Iron 
Bill, 46 ; Iron Bill, War of the Polish 
Succession, 55 ; from Surveyor-Gen- 
eral Peagrum, 1734, 1738, customs 
appointments, 42, 46, 53, 96. 
Career, i. x.xv. 

Ward, Henry, secretary of Rhode 
Island, 2. 359, 390 ; electioneering, 
419. 

Ward, Richard, governor of Rhode 
Island, to Col. Blakeney, 1740, Car- 
tagena expedition, i. 168; to Col, 
Gooch, 1740, Cartagena expedition, 
167, 174 ; to House of Deputies, 
1742, emolument, 217; to Mas- 
sachusetts General Court, 1731, 
boundary, 18 ; to Newcastle, 1740, 
Rhode Island loyalty, 183; 1741, 
Cartagena expedition, 199 ; 1742, 
Cartagena recruits, paper money, 
212; to Partridge, 1740, paper 
money, 1S6, 1S9 ; 1741, account, pa- 
per money, 200; boundary, 214; 

1742, Dr. Hull, 215; to the sheriff 
of Providence County, 1741, Thorn- 
ton affair, 194; to Gen. Wentworth, 
recruits for Cartagena expedition, 
205. 

From Col. Blakeney, 1740, Car- 
tagena expedition, i. 180; from 
Lieut.-Gov. Clarke, Cartagena ex- 
pedition, 171 ; from D. Jencks and 
others, 1741, Thornton affair, 192; 
from Partridge, 1740, J. Wanton, 
boundary, war news, 180; 1741, pa- 
per money, boundary, 197, 207; 1742, 
Walpole's fall, 210; boundary, 218 ; 

1743, boundary, 223; naval officer, 
226; from Gov. Shirley, 1742, Span- 



Index 



497 



ish prisoners, 222 ; from Admiral 
Vernon, 1740, exportation of pro- 
visions, 185 ; from E. Warren and 
others, 1741, Thornton affair, 191 ; 
from Gen. Wentworth, 1741, 1742, 
Cartagena expedition, 202, 209, 220 ; 
from Sec. Willard, 1740, private 
currency, 169. 

Career, i. xxxviii. 

Ward, Samuel, governor of Rhode 
Island, to the General Assembly, 
I757> 1761, 1762, Ward-Hopkins 
feud, 2. 250, 311, 323 ; to the Lords 
of the Treasury, 1765, Robinson's 
complaint, 373 ; to London mer- 
chants, 1766, thanks, 391 ; to N. 
Mumford, 1762, billeting rolls, 326; 
to Robinson and NicoU, customs 
officers, 1765, protection, 372; to 
Col. Rose, 1762, instructions, 325; 
Rhode Island troops, 337 ; to Sher- 
wood, 1762, financial distress, 334; 
1763, reimbursement, Temple affair, 
343; 1765, Quartering Act, St. John 
affair, colonial trade, reimbursement, 
365 ; 1766, Stamp Act, reimburse- 
ment, 391. 

From Gov. Botetourt, 1768, greet- 
ing, 2. 412; from Capt. Cornell, 
1762, reenlistments, 340 ; from Gov. 
Fauquier, 1765, kidnapping of ne- 
groes, 368 ; from Lieut. Newland, 
1762, recruiting, 333; from Robinson 
and Nicoll, 1766, complaint against 
Vice-Admiralty Court, 376, 394 ; 
from Col. Rose, desertions and re- 
cruiting, 329 ; from Sherwood, 1762, 
reimbursement, 331 ; 1763, reim- 
bursement, 342, 346; 1765, Rocking- 
ham's ministry, 367 ; 1766, reim- 
bursement, Stamp Act, 381 ; colonial 
trade resolution in Commons, re- 
imbursement and riot, 384, 393. 
See also Ward-Hopkins feud. 

Ward, Thomas, secretary of Rhode 
Island, from H. Babcock, 1755, ^''' 
tillery company, 2. 148; from Sec. 
Willard, 1749, boundary, 95. 

Ward-Hopkins feud, underlying 
causes, i. xxxix ; Hopkins's action 
for defamation, 2. 250-253; propos- 
als of mutual retirement, 31 1, 323- 
325 ; activity, 418-420. 

Warner, Ezekiel, to Gov. R. Ward, 
1741 ; Thornton affair, i. 191. 

Warren, Moses, lieutenant in French 
and Indian War, 2. 329. 



Warren, Admiral Sir Peter, to Gov, 
Greene, 1746, Canadian expedition 

1. 429, 2. 3; convoy, 3; Anville's 
fleet, 15; to Admiral Lestock, An 
ville's fleet, 16; to Gov. G. Wanton 

1745, capture and condemnation of 
French East India ship, i. 362 ; gar 
rison for Louisbourg, 387 ; from Ad 
miral Townsend and Gov. Knowles 

1746, Anville's fleet, 2. 10. 

And the Louisbourg expedition 

I- Z-l^ 330. 334, 338, 354. 358 ; gov 
ernor of Cape Breton Island, 377 
388 ; victory over the French fleet 

2. 48, 49; asked to defend Rhode 
Island Canadian expedition bill, 93, 

Watts, Capt., 2. 47. 

Webb, Gen. Daniel, to Gov. Greene, 

1757, condition of the troops, 2. 255 
To be colonel, 2. 175; and the 

plan of campaign in 1756, 226; re 

treat, 233. 
Wells, John, boundary commissioner, 

1. 102. 

Wentworth, Gen. Thomas, to Capt 
Hopkins, 1741, recruits for Carta 
gena expedition, i. 203 ; 1742, expe 
dition abandoned, 220 ; to Gov. R, 
Ward, 1741, 1742, Cartagena expe 
dition, 202, 209, 220. 

West, Admiral, 2. 245. 

West, J., to A. Stone, 1748, Rhode 
Island bill for Canadian expedition, 

2. 67. 

West Indies, illicit trade, I. 163, 184, 
2. 352 ; squadrons to, i. 127, 182, 
185 ; Commons resolution on trade, 
2. 385-387. See also Cartagena ex- 
pedition. Sugar Bill. 

Westerly, R. I., artillery company, 2. 
148, 149. 

Wheat, price in England in 1757, 2. 

254- 

Whipple, Com. Abraham, prizes, 2. 
xxxvii. 

Whipple, Joseph, deputy-governor of 
Rhode Island, to Shirley, 1746, 
Crown Point expedition, 2. 8 ; rein- 
forcement for Annapolis, 33 ; from 
Sec. Willard, powder, 9 ; from Par- 
tridge, 1744, boundary, i. 291. 

Whipple, Joseph, Jr., to Partridge, 
1749, account, 2. 91. 

Whiting, Ebenezer, captain in the 
French and Indian War, 2. 328. 

Whiting, John, officer in the French 
and Indian War, 2. 205, 328. 



498 



Index 



Whiting, Col. Nathan, to Committee 
of War, 1756, quartermaster affairs, 
2. 237 ; to Gov. Hopkins, forces 
at Fort Edward, 180. 

Wilkinson, Lieut., 2. 34. 

Wilkinson, William, privateer, i. 230, 
250. 

Wilks, Francis, agent for Connecticut 
and Massachusetts, opposition to 
the Sugar Bill, i. 19; and the bound- 
ary, dispute, 87, 89, 94, 98 ; ill, 118. 

Willard, Josiah, secretary of Massa- 
chusetts, to P. Bours and others, 
1739, boundary, i. 115; to Gov. 
Greene, 1744, intercolonial commis- 
sion, 259 ; counterfeit paper money, 
269 ; riot and extradition, 283; 1745, 
extradition, 325 ; to Gov. G. Wan- 
ton, 1747, prisoners of vifar, 2. 53 ; to 
Gov. R. Ward, 1740, paper money, 
1. 169; to Sec. T. Ward, 1749, bound- 
ary, 2. 95 ; to Dep.-Gov. Whipple, 
1746, powder, 9 ; From Sec. Cog- 
geshall, 1745, riot and extradition, i. 
323 ; from Gov. W. Wanton, 1733, 
issue of paper money, 41. 

Willes, Chief Justice, and the boundary 
dispute, I. 291, 316, 410. 

William, Capt., i. 163. 

William Henry, Fort, captured, 2. 261. 

Williams, William, speaker of the 
Connecticut House, 2. 443. 



Wilmington, Lord, i. 211. 
Wilmot, Jonathan, West Indian agent, 
to Partridge, 1751, Sugar Bill, 2. 

133- 

Wilson, Alexander, x. 220. 

Winchelsea, Earl of, in Rockingham's 
ministry, 2. 367. 

Wingfield, Capt., i. 46. 

Winslow, Gen. John, to Gov. Hop- 
kins, 1756, strength of Rhode Island 
forces, 2. 219; plan of campaign, 
222, 226 ; from Gen. Wentworth, 
1741, recruits for Cartagena expedi- 
tion, 1. 203. 

Commands provincial army, 2. 
204 ; demand on the colonies, 293, 
297. 

Winthrop, John, governor of Connect- 
icut, and the Connecticut charter, 

I-3- 

Wolcott, Roger, to Gov. Greene, 1745, 
Louisbourg expedition, i. 328. 

Commissioner to Albany, i. 267; 
command in Louisbourg expedition, 
324, 326, 328. 

Wood, Robert, 2. 259. 

Wraxall, Capt. 2. 160. 

Years, John, prisoner of war, 2. 54. 
Yorke, Mr., attorney-general, 2. 323. 
Young Pretender. .S"^^ Charles Ed- 
ward. 



EUctrotyfed and printed 6y H. O. Houghton &" Co, 
Cambridge, Mass., U.S. A. 



MAR Fi 1903 



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